Questions and Answers
Why are the details of Gatsby's funeral left to Nick?
No one else was interested in Gatsby in a personal way; they had used him for pleasure or for business profit but had not really cared about him.
What seems to be of most concern to Klipspringer?
His tennis shoes
What two views of Gatsby does Fitzgerald juxtapose?
Gatsby as Wolfsheim's associate and Gatsby as the All-American son of Henry Gatz.
What does the call from Slagle tell the reader?
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What do Gatsby's lists of resolves represent?
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Why does Nick tell Mr. Gatz he was a close friend of Gatsby's?
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Why do you think Fitzgerald included the man with the owl-eyed glasses at the funeral?
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How is The Great Gatsby a story of the West if it happened in the East?
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Discuss the carelessness of the Buchanans.
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Study Notes
Gatsby's Funeral
- Nick is left to manage Gatsby's funeral due to the lack of personal connections others had with Gatsby.
- Most acquaintances, including party-goers, engaged with Gatsby for entertainment or profit, showing indifference to him as a person.
Klipspringer's Concerns
- Klipspringer expresses his main concern over his tennis shoes, illustrating his self-involvement and lack of genuine regard for Gatsby.
Juxtaposition of Gatsby's Identity
- Fitzgerald contrasts Gatsby's identity as an associate of Wolfsheim and the idealized version as the son of Henry Gatz.
- This duality highlights Gatsby's complex character and the different perceptions others have of him.
Slagle's Call
- A call from Slagle underscores Gatsby's involvement in criminal activities.
- Slagle, like many others, fails to recognize Gatsby's humanity, viewing him through the lens of business dealings.
Gatsby's Resolutions
- Gatsby's lists of resolves reflect his early aspirations for self-improvement and embodiment of the American Dream.
- These lists signify his relentless pursuit of success and societal acceptance.
Nick's Comfort to Mr. Gatz
- Nick tells Mr. Gatz he was a close friend to provide comfort, recognizing Mr. Gatz's pride in his son despite Gatsby's ultimate failure to achieve his dreams.
Owl-Eyed Man's Role
- The man with owl-eyed glasses symbolizes insight and clarity.
- He acknowledges the authenticity of Gatsby's books and expresses a melancholic understanding of Gatsby's tragic existence during the funeral.
The Great Gatsby as a Western Story
- Although the events unfold in the East, all key characters are identified as "Westerners," originating from the Midwest.
- Nick views the East as corrupt and menacing, contrasting it with his longing for the familiarity and safety of his Midwestern home.
Carelessness of the Buchanans
- The Buchanans exhibit extreme carelessness, leaving their chaotic lives for others to manage.
- Tom is implicated in multiple deaths yet evades responsibility, while Daisy abandons Gatsby and is willing to let him take the blame for the accident.
- Their departure post-Gatsby's death leaves Nick to oversee funeral arrangements, highlighting their moral negligence.
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Description
Explore key themes and character insights from Chapter 9 of 'The Great Gatsby' through these discussion questions. Analyze the implications of Gatsby's funeral and the reactions of those around him, including Klipspringer's concerns. This quiz aims to deepen your understanding of Fitzgerald's narrative techniques.
