The Great Gatsby: Aftermath of Gatsby's Death

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Questions and Answers

What does Catherine say when police question her about Gatsby's murder being caused by an affair?

That Myrtle has never seen Gatsby before, that Myrtle never had an affair, and that Myrtle truly loved her husband George.

Where are Tom and Daisy?

Tom and Daisy have left with baggage, and no one knows where they are.

Who was Nick able to get to come to the house and be with Gatsby in death?

Nick was able to get Gatsby's father.

What does the call from Slagle reveal to the reader?

The call from Slagle reveals that Gatsby was involved in illegal bootlegging, gambling, and bonds. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Henry C. Gatz, and how does he refer to Gatsby?

Henry C. Gatz is Gatsby's father, who refers to Gatsby as Jimmy. Signup and view all the answers

How does Mr. Gatz romanticize Gatsby's accomplishments?

Mr. Gatz says that had his son lived, Gatsby would have done great things for America. Signup and view all the answers

Why can't Klipspringer attend the funeral?

Klipspringer had a picnic to attend. Signup and view all the answers

What fictional character probably influenced Gatsby when he was a kid?

Hopalong Cassidy. Signup and view all the answers

What are some goals that Gatsby wrote on the back of a Hopalong Cassidy book?

Wake up early, exercise, work eight hours a day, don't waste time, practice public speaking, practice sports, etc. Signup and view all the answers

What do Gatsby's goals suggest about his character?

Gatsby was determined to learn and improve himself, with good ambitions and work ethics. Signup and view all the answers

What is the American Dream?

The American Dream is that with hard work, anyone can become wealthy and successful in America. Signup and view all the answers

What does Daisy do to acknowledge Gatsby's death?

Daisy does absolutely nothing. Signup and view all the answers

Who was in Gatsby's funeral procession?

Nick, Mr. Gatz, the chauffeur, some butlers, and the mailman. Signup and view all the answers

Who showed up a little late at Gatsby's funeral?

The man in the owl-eyed spectacles. Signup and view all the answers

What 'awkward, unpleasant thing' does Nick feel he must address?

Nick feels he has to break up with Jordan. Signup and view all the answers

What is Jordan probably lying about?

Jordan probably lies about the fact that she was/is engaged. Signup and view all the answers

How does Nick feel about his breakup with Jordan?

Nick feels sad. Signup and view all the answers

With whom does Nick refuse to shake hands?

Nick refuses to shake hands with Tom. Signup and view all the answers

How did George Wilson find out who owned the yellow car?

Tom told George Wilson that the yellow car belonged to Gatsby. Signup and view all the answers

What do Tom and Daisy always seem to leave behind?

Tom and Daisy always seem to leave behind a mess for everyone else to clean up. Signup and view all the answers

What metaphor is used to explain how we may not realize our dreams?

The green light at the end of Daisy's dock is used as a metaphor. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Gatsby considered great?

Gatsby is the hopeless romantic and the ultimate dreamer. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Gatsby's Death and Its Aftermath

Catherine claims Myrtle never met Gatsby, had no affairs, and loved George truly, reflecting a denial of Myrtle's reality.
Tom and Daisy have left the East Coast, taking their belongings, leaving their whereabouts a mystery.
Nick manages to bring Gatsby's father, Henry C. Gatz, to his son's funeral, highlighting a rare familial connection.
A call from Slagle unveils Gatsby's involvement in illegal activities such as bootlegging and gambling, adding complexity to Gatsby's character.
Mr. Gatz idolizes Gatsby, referring to him as Jimmy and asserting that he would have contributed greatly to America if he had lived.

Reflections on Gatsby's Life

Mr. Gatz romanticizes Gatsby's potential, despite Nick’s awareness of Gatsby's criminal past.
Klipspringer, an opportunistic character, misses the funeral due to a picnic, showcasing a lack of loyalty, while only calling to retrieve his shoes.
Hopalong Cassidy is a fictional cowboy from 1904 who symbolizes aspirations and dreams that may have inspired Gatsby’s childhood.

Gatsby's Aspirations

Gatsby's goals written in a Hopalong Cassidy book reveal his determination to self-improve through discipline and ambition.
The American Dream is encapsulated as the belief that hard work can lead to wealth and success in America, a central theme in Gatsby's life.
Daisy's complete indifference to Gatsby’s death illustrates the emptiness of their relationship and the superficial nature of their social class.

Reactions and Relationships Post-Tragedy

Gatsby's funeral has minimal attendees: Nick, Mr. Gatz, a couple of servants, and the mailman, underscoring Gatsby's isolated life.
An observer with owl-eyed spectacles was the only latecomer at the funeral, indicating a degree of recognition of Gatsby's uniqueness.
Nick’s internal conflict culminates in a breakup with Jordan, whom he perceives to be insincere, reflecting his own moral journey.

Tom and Daisy's Legacy

Tom informs George Wilson that Gatsby owns the yellow car, which leads George to his tragic actions.
Tom and Daisy embody irresponsibility, consistently leaving behind chaos for others to deal with.
The green light at Daisy’s dock symbolizes unattainable dreams and the notion of hope for a better future, representing Gatsby's aspirations.

Gatsby's Character

Gatsby is characterized as a hopeless romantic and an ultimate dreamer, embodying the tragedy of unattainable dreams and ideals.

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Description

Explore the events following Gatsby's death, including the reactions of key characters like Myrtle, Tom, and Nick. Delve into the complexities of Gatsby's life through his father's reflections and the revealing actions of those around him. Reflect on loyalty, potential, and the American Dream in this pivotal chapter of 'The Great Gatsby'.