The Tragic End of the American Dream: How Does Gatsby Die?
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, is a timeless classic that has fascinated readers for generations. The novel is a rich tapestry of wealth, class, and the corrupting influence of both. At its center is the enigmatic Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire who has reinvented himself to win back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. But Gatsby’s pursuit of the American Dream ultimately ends in tragedy. Gatsby dies in Chapter 7 of the novel, shot and killed by his rival, George Wilson. In this article, we will explore the events leading up to Gatsby’s death and the significance of his demise.
The Backstory: Gatsby’s Rise to Wealth
Gatsby’s rise to wealth is a result of his determination, hard work, and strategic entrepreneurship. He began his life with little more than a humble background and a passion for education. Through his years at St. Olaf College, Gatsby developed his eloquence, discipline, and financial acumen. He then enrolled in Yale, where he honed his knowledge of the banking and finance industries. After World War I, Gatsby returned to the United States, leveraging his skills to amass a small fortune. He reinvented himself as a self-made millionaire, and his newfound wealth and sophistication captivated the hearts of many.
The Love Triangle: Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom
Gatsby’s primary drive is to win back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. The two were once deeply in love, but their social differences and the constraints of class ultimately drove them apart. Gatsby, determined to rekindle their romance, buys a grand mansion across the water from Daisy’s and her husband, the wealthy Tom Buchanan. The green light at the end of the dock, symbolizing the elusive American Dream, becomes a beacon for Gatsby, who hopes to reunite with Daisy. However, the love triangle is complicated by Tom’s brutish and controlling nature, as well as Daisy’s marital obligations.
The Confrontation: Gatsby’s Fateful Meeting with George Wilson
On the evening of September 11, 1922, Gatsby hosts a lavish party, hoping to win Daisy’s heart. As the night wears on, tensions rise as Gatsby and Tom engage in a heated argument, with Gatsby ultimately leaving the party in a state of despair. Meanwhile, George Wilson, an impoverished struggling to keep his garage business afloat, seeks revenge against Gatsby, who he mistakenly believes is responsible for his wife Myrtle’s death. At 3:30 a.m. on September 16, 1922, Wilson, fueled by anger and a desire for revenge, comes to East Egg, seeking to confront Gatsby, who he believes has been responsible for his wife’s demise.
The Tragic Conclusion: Gatsby’s Death
Wilson, armed with a pistol, sneaks up behind Gatsby as he stands by his pool, believing him to be alone. Gatsby, however, has been waiting for Daisy to return, hoping to win her back. As Wilson approaches, Gatsby sees the fear in his eyes and tries to reason with him, explaining that he was with Daisy when Myrtle was killed. But Wilson, consumed by his emotions, shoots and kills Gatsby, believing he has avenged his wife’s death. Gatsby’s murder serves as a commentary on the futility of the American Dream, as the wealthy and privileged are no longer immune to the destructive forces of jealousy, class conflict, and the corrupting influence of wealth.
The Aftermath: Tragedy and Resignation
The morning after Gatsby’s murder, Nick Carraway, the novel’s narrator, collects the bodies and returns to his summer home in the Valley of Ashes, a desolate and run-down area between Long Island and New York City. Carraway is left to process the senseless violence and the loss of his friend, weighing the American Dream against the harsh realities of class, wealth, and the destructive power of human emotions. The novel concludes with Nick’s resignation and his departure from the East Coast, symbolizing the end of the American Dream and the futility of seeking happiness through wealth and material possessions.
The Significance of Gatsby’s Death
Gatsby’s death serves as a commentary on the cyclical nature of capitalism, highlighting the destructive power of class conflict, and the corrupting influence of wealth. His demise also underscores the futility of seeking the American Dream through material possessions and social status. Additionally, Gatsby’s tragic ending emphasizes the importance of living in the present, accepting one’s circumstances, and recognizing the limitations of human potential.
Conclusion
Gatsby’s death is a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of pursuing a dream that is ultimately unattainable. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of wealth and the destructive power of human emotions. The novel’s ending, marked by Gatsby’s tragic demise, leaves readers with a lasting impression of the emptiness and disillusionment that can result from chasing after the American Dream.
Key Takeaways:
- Gatsby’s rise to wealth is a result of his determination, hard work, and strategic entrepreneurship.
- The love triangle between Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom is complicated by social differences and the constraints of class.
- Gatsby’s death is a result of a misunderstanding between him and George Wilson, who believes Gatsby is responsible for his wife’s death.
- Gatsby’s death serves as a commentary on the cyclical nature of capitalism, the destructive power of class conflict, and the corrupting influence of wealth.
- The novel concludes with Nick’s resignation, symbolizing the end of the American Dream and the futility of seeking happiness through wealth and material possessions.
References:
- Fitzgerald, F. S. The Great Gatsby. New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1925. Print.
- Cohn, J. The Social Construction of the American Dream. The New York Times, 25 Jan. 2007. Web.
- Fiedler, L. F. Love and Death in the American Novel. New York: Stein and Day, 1966. Print.