The movie The Great Gatsby, adapted from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s seminal novel, ends with Jay Gatsby’s tragic death, a victim of mistaken identity and the destructive power of illusion. His dream of reuniting with Daisy Buchanan shatters completely, culminating in a violent and ultimately meaningless demise in his swimming pool.
The Death of a Dream: Gatsby’s Fate
The film adaptation, like the novel, meticulously crafts an ending laden with symbolism and poignant commentary on the American Dream. After Myrtle Wilson’s death – caused by Daisy, although Gatsby takes the blame to protect her – George Wilson, driven mad by grief and fueled by Tom Buchanan’s manipulation, seeks revenge. He believes Gatsby was Myrtle’s lover and her killer. Wilson finds Gatsby swimming in his pool, waiting for a call from Daisy that never comes, and shoots him before taking his own life.
Nick Carraway, Gatsby’s only true friend, organizes a sparse and ultimately disappointing funeral, highlighting the hollowness of the wealthy Long Island society that Gatsby desperately sought to infiltrate. He witnesses firsthand the callous disregard of the Buchanans, who retreat back into their world of privilege and escape responsibility. The film concludes with Nick leaving West Egg, disillusioned and determined to escape the moral decay he has witnessed, returning to his Midwestern roots. The final scene often focuses on Nick reflecting on Gatsby’s unwavering belief in the green light and the possibility of recapturing the past, a poignant reminder of the futility of clinging to unattainable dreams. This ending serves as a stark warning about the destructive nature of wealth, class divisions, and the elusive promise of the American Dream.
Decoding the Ending: Key Themes and Motifs
The tragic conclusion of The Great Gatsby is not merely a plot point; it’s a carefully constructed culmination of several key themes that resonate throughout the story.
The Unattainable Dream
Gatsby’s entire life is built upon the illusion of recapturing the past and winning back Daisy. He believes that through wealth and grandeur, he can rewind time and erase the five years they spent apart. The ending emphasizes the impossibility of this dream. Daisy, despite her initial attraction to Gatsby’s renewed wealth and his devotion, ultimately chooses the security and societal acceptance that Tom offers. Gatsby’s death signifies the death of this dream, a stark reminder that the past cannot be recreated or bought. The green light, which initially symbolized hope and the possibility of reunion, ultimately becomes a symbol of unattainable desire, forever out of reach.
The Corruption of the American Dream
The novel and the film critique the distorted version of the American Dream pursued by the wealthy elite. Gatsby’s wealth, accumulated through questionable means, is ultimately hollow and fails to bring him happiness. The Buchanans, born into wealth and privilege, represent the careless and destructive nature of the upper class. They are shielded from the consequences of their actions and prioritize their own comfort and social standing above all else. Gatsby’s demise is a direct consequence of their actions, highlighting the corruption and moral decay that lie beneath the glittering façade of wealth and success. He is a casualty of a system that rewards superficiality and punishes those who dare to challenge the established order.
The Power of Illusion
Gatsby’s entire persona is carefully crafted, a meticulously constructed illusion designed to impress Daisy. He reinvents himself, concealing his humble origins and creating a romanticized version of his past. The ending exposes the fragility of this illusion. When confronted with the reality of Daisy’s choice, Gatsby’s carefully constructed world crumbles around him. He is left vulnerable and exposed, ultimately paying the price for his deception. The ending serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of building one’s life on false pretenses and the importance of authenticity.
FAQs: Deepening Your Understanding of Gatsby’s End
Here are some frequently asked questions designed to further illuminate the complexities and nuances of The Great Gatsby’s concluding moments:
What motivates George Wilson to kill Gatsby?
George Wilson is driven by overwhelming grief and a desire for revenge. Tom Buchanan, in an attempt to deflect blame for Daisy’s actions, implies that Gatsby was Myrtle’s lover and the one who killed her. Wilson, already emotionally unstable due to Myrtle’s death, believes Tom and acts upon his misguided rage. He sees Gatsby as the symbol of the wealth and privilege that led to Myrtle’s downfall.
Why doesn’t Daisy publicly acknowledge her involvement in Myrtle’s death?
Daisy prioritizes her own self-preservation and social standing. Publicly admitting her role in Myrtle’s death would shatter her carefully constructed image and lead to social ostracism. She chooses to protect herself and her family, leaving Gatsby to take the blame. This demonstrates her inherent selfishness and her inability to truly commit to Gatsby or face the consequences of her actions.
Why is Nick Carraway the only one who cares about Gatsby’s funeral?
Nick is the only character who genuinely appreciates Gatsby for who he is, rather than for his wealth or social status. He sees through the superficiality of the Long Island elite and recognizes Gatsby’s underlying humanity. The absence of mourners at Gatsby’s funeral underscores the emptiness of the wealthy society he tried so hard to impress. It highlights the superficiality of their relationships and their lack of genuine empathy.
What does the green light symbolize at the end of the film?
The green light, located at the end of Daisy’s dock, represents Gatsby’s unattainable dream of reuniting with her and recapturing the past. At the end of the film, it serves as a reminder of the futility of clinging to illusions and the impossibility of truly recreating the past. Although Gatsby is dead, his unwavering belief in the green light and its promise continues to resonate, highlighting the power of hope, however misguided.
How does the film depict the contrast between Gatsby and Tom Buchanan?
The film emphasizes the stark contrast between Gatsby’s self-made wealth and Tom’s inherited privilege. Gatsby represents the aspirational American Dream, while Tom embodies the entrenched power and moral corruption of the established elite. This contrast underscores the social and economic inequalities that contribute to Gatsby’s downfall.
What is the significance of Nick’s return to the Midwest?
Nick’s return to the Midwest signifies his rejection of the moral decay and superficiality he witnessed on Long Island. He seeks to escape the corrupting influence of wealth and return to a simpler, more authentic way of life. This symbolizes a desire for a return to traditional values and a rejection of the materialism that consumed the lives of the wealthy characters in the story.
How does Gatsby’s death reflect the themes of the novel?
Gatsby’s death perfectly encapsulates the novel’s central themes: the unattainability of the past, the corruption of the American Dream, and the destructive power of illusion. His demise is a direct consequence of his unwavering pursuit of a dream that was ultimately unattainable, highlighting the tragic consequences of chasing illusions.
What role does Myrtle Wilson play in Gatsby’s downfall?
While not directly responsible for Gatsby’s actions, Myrtle is a catalyst in the chain of events that lead to his death. Her affair with Tom sets the stage for the conflict between Gatsby and Tom, and her death, caused by Daisy, triggers George Wilson’s vengeful actions. She represents the destructive consequences of unchecked desires and the social inequalities that fuel them.
Does the film stay true to the novel’s ending?
Generally, yes. While adaptations often take liberties, the film adaptation of The Great Gatsby remains largely faithful to the novel’s ending, including Gatsby’s death, the lack of mourners at his funeral, and Nick’s disillusionment with the wealthy elite. The film captures the somber and tragic tone of the original story.
What is the significance of the color symbolism in the film’s ending?
The color symbolism throughout the film is amplified in the ending. Gold represents wealth and illusion, green symbolizes hope and unattainable dreams, and white represents superficiality and moral corruption. These colors all contribute to the overall sense of disillusionment and tragedy that pervades the conclusion. The faded glamour of Gatsby’s parties contrasts sharply with the somber reality of his death.
How does the ending portray the role of the upper class in Gatsby’s tragedy?
The ending emphasizes the upper class’s indifference and irresponsibility in Gatsby’s tragedy. Tom and Daisy retreat into their wealth and privilege, escaping the consequences of their actions. They represent the careless and destructive nature of the elite, who prioritize their own comfort and social standing above all else.
What lasting impression should the ending of The Great Gatsby leave on viewers?
The ending should leave viewers with a sense of disillusionment and a critical perspective on the American Dream and the pursuit of wealth. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of chasing illusions, the importance of authenticity, and the corrupting influence of power and privilege. Ultimately, the film encourages viewers to reflect on the true meaning of success and happiness.