The Great Gatsby: Chapter 9 (Handouts)

How was Jay Gatz's childhood schedule consistent with the adult Gatsby's behavior?

As a boy, Gatsby was completely focused and self-disciplined in the pursuit of his goals. Even as a boy, he was determined to succeed and wasted no time in the effort. Gatsby in his adult form still remains hardworking and determined, as we see in his single-minded focus on achieving Daisy.

How does Nick react to the phone call revealing Gatsby's criminal activities?

At first he was disgusted and felt like the lies were never ending, but then he realized he had to accept Gatsby for who he is and carry on. Gatsby is dead now so it doesn't really matter what he was doing when he was alive. He's not there anymore to receive the punishment.

Why does Nick call Tom and Daisy "careless people"?

Daisy and Tom Buchanan are "careless people" because they are insensitive and thoughtless. Tom physically abuses Myrtle Wilson by striking her in the face and leads her to believe he would marry her if his wife weren't Catholic, which is a lie. He misleads Tom Wilson by implying that Myrtle was Gatsby's mistress and that Gatsby was responsible for her death. Thus Tom gets Gatsby killed, but Daisy is the one who was driving the car that struck Myrtle. Daisy, of course, never admits her guilt. Daisy enjoys flirting with Gatsby, but when problems arise, she hides behind Tom. This couple tends to run away from difficulties, mostly because they have the money to do so and they have little sense of obligation to others. According to Nick, they "smashed up other people's lives" and left the wreckage behind for someone else to clean up. Both rely heavily on their wealth to allow them to run away from any problem or situation that involves them.

What is the irony of Mr. Gatz's comment about James J. Hill?

Gatsby wanted to build a business but unfortunately he most likely gained his wealth untruthfully. James J. Hill was a true business man that was driven to build his own empire. Both were businessmen but James J. Hill was a true businessman.

What two emotions are pulling at Mr. Gatz?

He is moved by both sorrow and pride. The grandeur of the house overwhelms him and he is thrilled to know that his son was its owner. His eyes "leak" from both grief and excitement. He does not really grieve for his son, the actual person, but for his son the "big man" who, had he lived, would have become even bigger. It is evident that though Gatsby abandoned his parents, their ideas of success were forever longed for.

What is the irony of Mr. Gatz's admiration of the house?

He is proud of his son and all of his accomplishments but he would still rather have his son than all the wealth that his son was able to achieve.

What is the significance of Mr. Gatz' arrival?

It is a reminder of where Gatsby came from. It also shows that his father still cared about him.

What is the purpose of Nick's last meeting with Jordan?

Nick has had enough of the fast, glittering life in New York and decides to return to the Midwest, as well as break it off with Jordan.

What is the significance of Nick's taking charge of Gatsby's funeral arrangements?

Nick was one of the only people in Gatsby's live that actually cared about Gatsby and was actually close to him.

Why did Nick take care of Gatsby's funeral?

Nick was the only person that cared about Gatsby for Gatsby and not Gatsby's money. He is probably the only person that would have been available to do the funeral arrangements.

Who attended Gatsby's funeral? How and why is this significant?

The only people at the funeral are Nick, Gatsby's father (Mr. Gatz), "Owl Eyes," and a couple of random servants. This is significant because it definitely shows who honestly thought of Gatsby as a person, and not just someone who threw extravagant parties.

Why do Tom and Daisy leave?

They run away to escape responsibility, just as they left Chicago to escape some unspecified scandal. They are "careless" people who take no notice of the harm they have caused. Although the experience with Gatsby has given Nick a new insight and maturity, it has left Daisy and Tom basically unchanged.