Who attended Gatsby’s funeral, how they came, and why their presence is significant are all crucial elements that shed light on the themes and characters within F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, “The Great Gatsby.” The funeral of Jay Gatsby, the novel’s protagonist, serves as a pivotal moment that reveals the true nature of the relationships and values of the characters surrounding him.
Gatsby’s funeral is attended by a mix of individuals, each with their own motivations and interpretations of Gatsby’s life and legacy. The most prominent figures in attendance are Nick Carraway, Gatsby’s neighbor and narrator, Tom and Daisy Buchanan, Gatsby’s former classmates and rumored lovers, and Jordan Baker, a professional golfer and close friend of Gatsby. These characters represent various aspects of the American Dream and its subsequent disillusionment.
Nick Carraway, who narrates the story, attends the funeral as a gesture of respect for his neighbor and friend. His presence is significant because it provides an objective perspective on the event and the characters involved. Nick’s observations help readers understand the complexities of Gatsby’s relationships and the societal context in which he lived.
Tom and Daisy Buchanan, on the other hand, attend the funeral as a form of social obligation. Their presence is indicative of their superficial nature and their inability to genuinely connect with others. Their attendance highlights the theme of the empty, hollow lives of the wealthy, who are disconnected from the reality of those around them. Their involvement in Gatsby’s death through their affair and the subsequent car accident underscores the irony of their presence at the funeral.
Jordan Baker, Gatsby’s closest friend, attends the funeral as a loyal confidant. Her presence is significant because it serves as a reminder of Gatsby’s genuine friendships and the genuine connections he was able to foster. Jordan’s attendance highlights the contrast between Gatsby’s genuine relationships and the superficial ones that characterized the lives of the wealthy around him.
The significance of the individuals who attended Gatsby’s funeral lies in the themes they represent and the light they shed on the novel’s characters and their values. The funeral serves as a microcosm of the American Dream and its eventual collapse. The characters’ motivations for attending the funeral reflect their own struggles with the American Dream and their place within the crumbling social structure of the 1920s.
In conclusion, the who, how, and why of Gatsby’s funeral attendees are all significant in understanding the themes and characters of “The Great Gatsby.” Their presence at the funeral not only highlights the societal context of the novel but also reveals the true nature of the relationships and values of the characters involved. The event serves as a poignant reminder of the emptiness and hollowness of the American Dream and the characters’ struggle to find meaning and connection in a rapidly changing world.
