How did The Great Gatsby end? [2023]

Have you ever wondered how one of the most iconic novels of the 20th century, “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald, concludes? If so, you’re in the right place! In this article, we will delve into the captivating ending of “The Great Gatsby” and explore the reasons behind the characters’ fates. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of Jay Gatsby and his pursuit of the American Dream.

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

At the end of “The Great Gatsby,” tragedy strikes as Jay Gatsby is shot and killed by George Wilson, who believes Gatsby is responsible for his wife’s death. Gatsby’s funeral is sparsely attended, with only a few people, including his father, showing up. Nick Carraway, the narrator and Gatsby’s friend, becomes disillusioned with the superficiality and corruption of New York society and decides to return to the Midwest. The novel concludes with Nick reflecting on the elusive nature of the American Dream and the emptiness of Gatsby’s pursuit.

Quick Tips and Facts

  • “The Great Gatsby” is a 1925 novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, set in the Jazz Age on Long Island, near New York City.
  • The novel explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream.
  • The story is narrated by Nick Carraway, who becomes entangled in the lives of the wealthy elite, including the enigmatic Jay Gatsby.
  • The novel received mixed reviews upon its initial publication but has since become a literary classic.
  • “The Great Gatsby” has been adapted into several films, including the 2013 Baz Luhrmann version starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

Background

Before we delve into the ending of “The Great Gatsby,” let’s provide some background information about the novel. “The Great Gatsby” is set in the 1920s, a time known as the Jazz Age or the Roaring Twenties. It takes place on Long Island, near New York City, and follows the life of Nick Carraway, a young man who moves to the area to pursue a career in finance.

Nick becomes neighbors with the mysterious and wealthy Jay Gatsby, who throws extravagant parties at his mansion. Gatsby is known for his opulence and his obsession with Daisy Buchanan, a married woman he had a romantic relationship with in the past. The novel explores themes of wealth, love, and the pursuit of the American Dream.

Plot Summary

To understand the ending of “The Great Gatsby,” let’s recap the main events leading up to it. The story revolves around a love triangle between Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, and Tom Buchanan, Daisy’s husband. Gatsby is determined to win Daisy back and believes that his wealth and success will be enough to win her over.

Gatsby and Daisy rekindle their relationship, but their affair is discovered by Tom. This leads to a confrontation between Gatsby and Tom, where Gatsby tries to convince Daisy to leave Tom and be with him. However, Daisy ultimately chooses to stay with Tom, unable to fully let go of her privileged lifestyle.

Tragedy strikes when Myrtle Wilson, George Wilson’s wife, is killed in a hit-and-run accident. George, who believes Gatsby is responsible for his wife’s death, seeks revenge. He tracks down Gatsby at his mansion and shoots him, killing him instantly. Gatsby’s death is a culmination of the consequences of his obsession with Daisy and his pursuit of the American Dream.

Major Characters

To fully understand the impact of the ending, let’s take a closer look at the major characters in “The Great Gatsby”:

  1. Jay Gatsby: The enigmatic millionaire who throws lavish parties in the hopes of winning back his former lover, Daisy Buchanan.
  2. Daisy Buchanan: A beautiful and wealthy woman who is torn between her love for Gatsby and her loyalty to her husband, Tom Buchanan.
  3. Tom Buchanan: Daisy’s husband, who is arrogant and unfaithful but holds a position of power and privilege in society.
  4. Nick Carraway: The narrator of the story, who becomes entangled in the lives of the wealthy elite and serves as a moral compass.
  5. Jordan Baker: A professional golfer and love interest of Nick Carraway.
  6. George B. Wilson: Myrtle Wilson’s husband, who becomes consumed by grief and seeks revenge for her death.
  7. Myrtle Wilson: George’s wife, who has an affair with Tom Buchanan and is tragically killed in a hit-and-run accident.

Themes and Symbolism

“The Great Gatsby” explores several themes and makes use of symbolism throughout the novel. Some of the key themes include:

  • The American Dream: Gatsby’s pursuit of wealth and success represents the American Dream, but the novel ultimately questions the emptiness and corruption behind this ideal.
  • Wealth and Class: The stark contrast between the wealthy elite and the working class highlights the social divisions and inequalities of the time.
  • Love and Desire: The novel explores the destructive power of love and desire, as characters make choices based on their own selfish desires rather than genuine love.
  • Illusion and Reality: Gatsby creates an illusion of wealth and success, but beneath the surface, he is still the poor boy from North Dakota. The novel questions the authenticity of appearances.

Symbolism is also prevalent in “The Great Gatsby,” with the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock representing Gatsby’s hopes and dreams, and the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg on a billboard symbolizing the moral decay and corruption of society.

Critical Reception

“The Great Gatsby” received mixed reviews upon its initial publication in 1925. While some critics praised Fitzgerald’s writing style and exploration of themes, others found the characters unlikable and the story lacking depth. However, over time, the novel has gained recognition as a literary masterpiece and is now considered one of the greatest American novels of all time.

Adaptations

“The Great Gatsby” has been adapted into several films, stage plays, and even an opera. One of the most notable adaptations is the 2013 film directed by Baz Luhrmann, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby. The film received mixed reviews but was praised for its visual style and performances.

FAQ

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What happened at the end of “The Great Gatsby”?

At the end of “The Great Gatsby,” tragedy strikes as Jay Gatsby is shot and killed by George Wilson, who believes Gatsby is responsible for his wife’s death. Gatsby’s funeral is sparsely attended, with only a few people, including his father, showing up. Nick Carraway becomes disillusioned with the superficiality and corruption of New York society and decides to return to the Midwest.

Why did Daisy leave Gatsby in the end?

Daisy ultimately chooses to stay with her husband, Tom Buchanan, rather than leave him for Gatsby. Despite her love for Gatsby, Daisy is unable to fully let go of her privileged lifestyle and the security that comes with it. She values her social status and the comfort it provides more than her love for Gatsby.

Read more about “**The Great Gatsby: A Captivating Journey into the Roaring Twenties**”

What does the last line of “The Great Gatsby” mean?

The last line of “The Great Gatsby” reads, “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” This line reflects the elusive nature of the American Dream and the characters’ inability to escape their pasts. It suggests that despite their efforts, they are destined to repeat their mistakes and remain trapped in the cycle of their own desires.

What made Gatsby great in the end?

Gatsby’s greatness lies in his unwavering pursuit of his dreams and his ability to create an illusion of wealth and success. He is determined to win back Daisy and believes that his wealth and status will be enough to make her choose him over her husband. However, his greatness is ultimately overshadowed by the tragic consequences of his obsession and the emptiness of his pursuit.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “The Great Gatsby” is a captivating novel that explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. The ending of the novel is marked by tragedy, as Jay Gatsby is shot and killed, and Nick Carraway becomes disillusioned with the superficiality of New York society. The novel raises questions about the nature of the American Dream and the emptiness of material pursuits.

If you haven’t read “The Great Gatsby” yet, we highly recommend diving into this literary masterpiece. It offers a glimpse into the Jazz Age and provides thought-provoking insights into the human condition. So, grab a copy of the book and embark on a journey into the world of Jay Gatsby and the Roaring Twenties.

Review Team
Review Team
Articles: 149

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