Plot: The End

Gatsby’s Tragic End

Wilson, distraught by his wife Myrtle’s death, believes Gatsby to be the killer.
He fatally shoots Gatsby in his swimming pool, before turning the gun on himself.
Gatsby’s death signifies the ultimate downfall of his dream.

Daisy’s Silence

Daisy, despite being the object of Gatsby’s affection, doesn’t attend his funeral and doesn’t even send a message or flowers.
She retreats into her wealth and privilege with Tom, illustrating her true character and creating a clear demarcation between her and Gatsby.
Her behaviour further imprints the idea of the shallow and careless nature of the aristocratic class in 1920s’ America.

Nick’s Disillusionment

Nick, who admired Gatsby for his unfailing hope, arranges a small funeral for Gatsby.
He is disheartened by the lack of mourning for Gatsby. This further highlights society’s materialistic values as they flocked to Gatsby’s extravagant parties but failed to show respect or sympathy on his death.
Feeling disgusted by the facade of the East, he decides to return to the Midwest.

The American Dream: Shattered

The conclusion of the novel makes it clear that The American Dream is unattainable, as Gatsby’s dream of winning back Daisy is ultimately unsuccessful and leads to tragic consequences.
Fitzgerald criticises this ideal by depicting Gatsby’s pursuit of the dream as obsessive and destructive, causing his ultimate downfall and the realisation that all his wealth couldn’t buy him happiness or acceptance.

Summary

The end of The Great Gatsby serves as a profound critique of the American Dream, laying bare the hollowness of materialistic pursuits and the superficial glitz of 1920s’ society. The tragic death of Gatsby signifies the death of the dream he pursued relentlessly, while the characters’ actions and lack of remorse point towards a critical portrayal of the upper class, reinforcing Fitzgerald’s core themes of illusion and disillusionment.