chapter nine

Question

vocabulary:
pasquinade
derange
superfluos
subtle
orgastic
ceaselessly

briefly summarize what happens in this chapter:

reactions to Gatsby death: daisy, Tom,nick, Mr gatz, wolfsheim
from these reaction what can you infer about Gatsby relationships, his character, and/or his life?

do you find Jordans bakers characterization believable?
what can you infer about Jordans through here break up with nick?
how long after the summer is nick writing this account?
is this significant?

"they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made.” to whom does this refer?
connotations of word 'creatures'
examples of who/what they smashed:
this relates to the topics of

describe the actions of these scenes in a noun, a verb, an adjective

what might be the symbolism of the owl eyed man being one of the only people to turn up for the funeral.
3 notable things we learn through Nick's meeting with tom

quote about tom buchanan

so we beat on boats against the current, bome back ceaselessly into the past.
synonym for ceaselessly. identify the alliteration. who is the "we"?. this is a simile or metaphor?
summarize in your own words what nick is saying here

Answer 1

Chapter Nine Summary

In Chapter Nine of "The Great Gatsby," the aftermath of Jay Gatsby's death is explored, detailing the reactions of various characters to his demise. Daisy and Tom Buchanan quickly distance themselves from the incident, retreating to their wealthy, carefree existence, leaving Nick to handle the fallout. Mr. Gatz, Gatsby's father, shows a somber and nostalgic side of Gatsby's life, revealing his humble origins and dreams. Meyer Wolfsheim, a shady associate, also fails to take responsibility or show genuine remorse, highlighting the emptiness of their connection to Gatsby. Overall, the chapter provides a stark commentary on Gatsby's relationships, revealing their superficiality and the hollowness of his so-called friends.

Reactions to Gatsby's Death

• Daisy: She quickly moves on, indicating her lack of true emotional attachment.
• Tom: He remains self-absorbed, dismissing Gatsby as a mere nuisance and avoiding any culpability.
• Nick: He is left to grapple with the tragedy, showing a deep sense of loss and disillusionment with the social elite.
• Mr. Gatz: He expresses genuine grief and pride, reflecting Gatsby's unfulfilled potential.
• Wolfsheim: His indifference emphasizes the transactional nature of his relationship with Gatsby.

From these reactions, we infer that Gatsby’s relationships were largely superficial and transactional. His character was noble in many ways but tragically misled by his longing for acceptance and love in a world that ultimately valued wealth over authenticity. Gatsby's life was marked by ambition and hope, but it ended in isolation.

Jordan Baker's Characterization

Jordan Baker's characterization in the book is believable as she represents a certain type of modern woman of the 1920s - independent and cynical. Her breakup with Nick reveals her struggle with emotional vulnerability. She is self-reliant but ultimately fails to connect on a deeper level, emphasizing the theme of disconnection in relationships.

Timing of Nick's Account

Nick appears to be writing this account several months after the summer events of 1922, as he reflects on Gatsby's life and death. This significant distance allows for a more contemplative analysis, as he processes the events and their implications on the American Dream.

Referenced Quote

The line about "smashed up things and creatures" refers largely to the moral decay of the wealthy elite in the novel, particularly characters like Tom and Daisy. The use of "creatures" carries a dehumanizing connotation, suggesting that their carelessness extends beyond people to the world around them. Examples of what they smashed include Gatsby himself, the hopes of others who believed in the American Dream, and the lives of those caught in their reckless lifestyle.

Action Description

• Noun: Destruction
• Verb: Smash
• Adjective: Careless

Symbolism of the Owl-Eyed Man

The owl-eyed man attending Gatsby's funeral symbolizes a few key themes: he represents the few who recognize Gatsby's true genius and sorrow; he serves as a witness to the empty spectacle of Gatsby’s life and death. His presence indicates a stark contrast to the wealthy guests who once filled Gatsby's parties.

Notable Insights from Nick's Meeting with Tom

1. Tom's lack of remorse and his self-serving nature.
2. His dismissive attitude toward Gatsby’s death illustrates a profound moral bankruptcy.
3. The conversation sheds light on Tom's ongoing influence and power in society, emphasizing the disparity between the rich and the poor.

Quote About Tom Buchanan

One significant quote that encapsulates Tom's character is: “The Great Gatsby is a story of how one man’s dream failed due to the reality and decadence of society.”

"So we beat on..."

The synonym for "ceaselessly" is "unendingly." The alliteration here is in the repetition of the "b" sound in "beat," "boats," and "back." The "we" refers to humanity in general, capturing the shared struggles of people against the relentless flow of time and circumstance. The phrase is a metaphor for the struggle against the inevitable passage of time and the desire to return to the past.

Summary of Nick's Statement

In this reflective concluding sentence, Nick expresses the idea that people are constantly fighting against the current of time, trying in vain to recapture their past. It underscores the futility of seeking to recreate a lost ideal, suggesting that while one might strive for their dreams, they are ultimately pulled back by reality.