How Did The Great Gatsby End?
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, The Great Gatsby, is a timeless tale of love, greed, and the American Dream. The novel’s ending is a poignant and haunting reflection of the excesses of the Roaring Twenties. In this article, we’ll delve into the events of the novel’s final chapters and explore the significance of its conclusion.
The Drowning Death of Myrtle Wilson
The novel’s ending begins with the tragic death of Myrtle Wilson, the wife of George Wilson, a working-class man who was once a worker in a factory. Myrtle’s relationship with George was troubled, and she was desperate for excitement and social status. She met Gatsby, who was fascinated by her, and their secret affair began. However, George discovered their relationship and sought revenge.
Myrtle’s death was a direct consequence of the class divisions that were a central concern in the novel. As the protagonist, Nick Carraway, notes, "So we beat on, boats against the current, like buoys against the tides." The class divide between the old money (the Buchanans) and the new rich (Gatsby) was widening, and Myrtle’s attempt to transcend it led to her demise.
The Confrontation at the Valley of Ashes
The day after Myrtle’s death, George Wilson, seeking revenge, goes to New York and stumbles upon his wife’s lover, Jay Gatsby. He ultimately murders Gatsby, believing him to be the one who was driving the car that killed his wife. The irony is that the car was actually Gatsby’s, and Daisy, who was driving, was the one who was responsible for Myrtle’s death.
The Destruction of the American Dream
Gatsby’s death marked the end of the American Dream for him. He had achieved wealth and social status, but it was all tainted by the corrupting influence of wealth and the empty materialism of the Roaring Twenties. Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy and his adherence to the old money blues of East Egg and West Egg only led to his own downfall.
The Aftermath: A Gilded Cage
The ending of the novel is marked by a sense of despair and futility. Daisy, who had been a central figure in Gatsby’s life, returns to her husband, Tom, and the corrupt values of old money. George Wilson, who had been marginalized by society, is now a broken man, empty and defeated. The novel ends with Nick, the narrator, reflecting on the emptiness and disillusionment of the post-war era.
Table: The End of the American Dream
| Character | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Gatsby | Death |
| Myrtle | Death |
| Daisy | Returns to Tom, old money |
| Tom | Maintains power and influence |
| George Wilson | Broken, defeated |
| Nick | Disillusioned, distanced from the excesses |
Conclusion
The ending of The Great Gatsby is a powerful commentary on the dangers of materialism, class divisions, and the corrupting influence of wealth. The novel’s conclusion is a haunting reflection of the excesses of the Roaring Twenties, and its characters are forever changed by the consequences of their actions. The novel’s ending serves as a warning, reminding us that the pursuit of wealth and status comes at a great cost, and that true happiness is not found in the accumulation of material possessions.