Look back over the book. What comment is Fitzgerald making with Gatsby's funeral?
Katelyn B Period 2
2/17/2014 10:43:58 pm
Fitzgerald expresses to readers the self-centered lives that make up both the East and West Eggs. As pointed out by Owl-eyes, "...they used to go there by the hundreds" (Fitzgerald 175). Every weekend hundreds of the citizens would come to Gatsby's extravagant parties to enjoy life and get wasted. Clearly, those people were just using Gatsby for his wealth for they never truly got to know him except from the rumors that immersed through the grape vine. Gatsby's funeral provides the support that people did not truly respect Gatsby as a person because they do not even take the time out of their lives to attend his funeral. Wolfsheim and Daisy, who were made to appear like some of Gatsby's closest "friends", are now questioned by both Nick and the reader of the genuine relationship they claimed to have. The funeral was held off a little longer, "But it wasn't any use. Nobody came" (Fitzgerald 174), truly showing the lack of value in the friendships he was thought to have had. For in the end only Gatsby's father, Nick, and Owl-eyes attended the funeral, showing respect for the loss of a selfless, extraordinary man.
Caitlin C Period 2
2/18/2014 01:28:18 am
I completely agree with you Katelyn, people did use Gatsby and his wealth in order to feel important. Gatsby's death showed people's true colors, especially Daisy and Wolfsheim, just like you mentioned. It was always about wealth and social status for them.
maddy b
2/18/2014 12:46:23 pm
I competently agree with what you are saying. No matter how big a party gee threw it didn't matter who showed up. Was no one at his funeral there for proving that they were just using him food his money
Bailey F p2
2/18/2014 11:21:08 pm
I agree with you Katelyn. Gatsby was used for his wealth. He provided so much for the people around him, but yet they could not even show up to his funeral. "The minister glanced several times at his watch, so I took him aside and asked him to wait for half an hour. But it wasn't any use. Nobody came" (Fitzgerlad 174). It is really sad that Gatsby could not recieve the least bit of respect for everything that he has done. He claimed to have had many "friends," but this proves that none of them were real friends.
Kelly B P1
2/19/2014 11:49:45 am
I agree that people used him for his wealth. However I disagree with your reasoning for this as a lack of respect for him. I don't see any reason people wouldn't respect Gatsby. Instead I think they just flat didn't care. People got what they wanted out of him and then left it at that. They used him out of selfishness not lack of respect in my opinion.
Andrea B period 2
2/19/2014 11:59:14 am
I completely agree with what you have to say Katelyn. People took advantage and used Gatsby, and didn't even come to his funeral to pay their dues. I think it's a huge thing to do with lack of respect and a high level of self interest that we see amoung many of the people we meet at these parties that Gatsby hosts.
Caleb S, Period 5
2/25/2014 11:14:44 am
I agree with you Katelyn, I also think that people used Gatsby for his wealth. But I do also have to disagree with your reason why they used him. I do not get why people wouldn't respect Gatsby. All the things that he has done for them, they should care and respect him he throws the awesome parties all for them. Part of me thinks that they just don't care at all. These people did what people today do all the time, they got what wanted out of him then and they got up and called it quits. I agree with that Kelly said that hey used him out of selfishness not lack of respect. They may have respected him but they cared about them selves more.
Matt R period 2
2/17/2014 10:47:57 pm
Firzgerald makes a comment that has been emphasized throughout the whole story. The thousands of people that have been to Gatsby's house and enjoyed has hospitality give no notice to the man whatsoever. In chapter 3, Nick was shocked that no one knew who Gatsby was, or cared to meet him. Even at his funeral this theme is continued, where no one comes to pay his respect. The theme repeats itself saying the Gatsby gave and gave to society, but society never gave back. The morals of the people no longer worried about caring or being polite to him, they just liked that he threw big parties.
Jordan T. P.4
2/18/2014 12:35:07 am
I agree with what your saying and to prove it further I think it's great how his father comes back in the end to pay his respects to his son. Even though Gatsby ran out on him. Just proves that you can have millions of friends but in the end family will always be there for you.
TJ A.
2/20/2014 07:00:14 am
I feel that your point about family is important in that out of all the visitors, Mr. Gatz was the only one that could describe something about Gatsby. all the other were just groupies of Gatsby, not really knowing him but just showing up to events and such. Even in the end Gatby's father cared more about his possessions than Gatsby, making it seem like the only family Gatsby really had was Nick.
Kelsey J 1
2/18/2014 06:56:54 am
I would also have to agree with you. Although it seems like Mr. Gatz cares that Gatsby has died, it seems he starts to care more about Gatsby's possessions and his house after wandering around for awhile. Mt. Gatz is found "walking up and down excitedly in the hall. His pride in his... son's possessions was continually increasing" (129). Not only do the people that took advantage of Gatsby's parties find themselves not so much caring about Gatsby himself, but his own father as well.
Jake S 4
2/19/2014 01:21:17 pm
I have to disagree with your comment about Mr. Gatz only caring about Gatsby's wealth and not the death of his son. Although he does say that he's excited about all that his son had gained in life, this is much more likely just pride that his son was able to accomplish so much from so little because of his comment about how increasingly proud he was looking at everything. Although Fitzgerald might be trying to make a point that Mr. Gatz is wrong for valuing his son based on all of the possessions he had acquired in his life, I do not believe that his primary focus at this point is inheriting them.
Rachel VW Period 5
2/19/2014 11:21:24 am
I am going to have to disagree. Gatsby never gave to society, if anything he took from society. Also, he did not throw the parties for all of these random people, he threw them for Daisy. So in this aspect I don't really think that its shocking that no one knew Gatsby because I don't really think that Gatsby wanted them to or really cared if they did. But thats beside the point. He lived his whole life for Daisy, so I don't really think it mattered to Gatsby what any of these random people did if he didn't have Daisy, nothing mattered if he didn't have Daisy. SO in a sense I don't think that Gatsby would've been upset that no one was at his funeral, they only person that he would need to be there would be Daisy.
Jesse S. Period 4
2/19/2014 11:41:56 am
I have to agree with Rachel, to me it was never apparent that Gatsby intentionally contributed to society. People merely just took advantage of what Gatsyby had to offer. His whole motivation was for Daisy, he used people, and as expected people used him. The people who attended his parties were just pieces of puzzles that would help him in his quest to get the attention of Daisy. Gatsby didn't directly acknowledge anyone he knew except for Daisy, and of course, Daisy paid little regards to him. Yes Gatsby suceeded in life financially, but was that what he really wanted? Money, money, money, it essentially becomes worthless when you no longer have a desire for anything because you already have it, and Daisy was that one thing Gatsby could not have.
Shivam P. period 2
2/19/2014 11:42:12 am
I agree with what you are saying about the morals that people have in society. That they, the people, take what Gatsby has to offer with such ease, but the second they should reciprocate Gatsby's kindness, they are nowhere to be found
Riley S. P2
2/17/2014 10:48:12 pm
The Great Gatsby, the man who has a castle as a house, the man whom holds parties that te entire city of New York shows up for, the man who was known by all. The people flocked to his doors and enjoyed the luxuries he was able to provide. They spoke of him as if he were a God and not a person. He was so in love with Daisy, so much so that he dedicated nearly his whole adult life to her. But on his death bed we only find three people, Nick, Owl Eyes, and Mr. Gatz. The people that once flocked to Gatsby's house couldn't bother to rand by his grave. I believe Fitzgerald is using this moment to show that money can't buy you friends or love. If someone is rich, they are used for their money. The parties he held people didn't attend because they wanted to see Gatsby, they attended because they were giving the finest of things. True friends come from the heart, not for the wallet. I think Fitzgerald wanted to show how sad money could make a person in the end.He also may be making a point that no matter how bad one treats family, they will always be there. The unconditional love a family holds will never break, like Mr. Gatz showed in the last chapter.
Emma S. 2
2/18/2014 04:09:22 am
I completely agree with you Riley. The people showed up just because they could get the nicest things out of him and were selfish; they were in it for themselves. Gatsby basically provided them a place to hangout and enjoy their time, without really having to have a personal relationship with him. He never came out during parties, showing the readers that he really is lonely.
Miranda L Period 4
2/18/2014 11:49:40 am
I agree with you too Riley. I feel like Gatsby never had any relationships with anyone. He had no true friends and everyone just used him for his money. He was not able to buy true friends, no matter how much money he had.
Jordan C 2
2/17/2014 10:49:00 pm
I believe what Fitzgerald is trying to say about Gatsby's funeral is that such a great man who constantly gave and did his best in life did not get what he fully deserved from life. Gatsby as he was as a little boy known as James Gatz strived to do better as even his father saw from his schedule in the back of his book of Hopalong Cassidy, "Jimmy was bound to get ahead" (Fitzgerald 173). Gatsby tried his best to get to the top and have the money and the friends and the love of his life when came the time. When he ran off to the East when he met Wolfsheim, he believed he finally will be able to succeed in life with this new found success of making money and a living. When put into war Gatsby did his best and made sure everything was to go smoothly and that America would help win the Great War. However, during this time Gatsby realized a bump in the road as he met Daisy and fell in love. But, he never felt like he could give everything needed to make Daisy happy to which Daisy saw success, Gatsby saw love. When Daisy decided not to wait after knowing the truth about Gatsby she ran away to marry Tom which put Gatsby through a lot making him so in love with the past and making him want to take all of his success back and have it just be him and love. This however could not happen if he was to be with Daisy so he continued to get richer and more popular and own people over hoping one day Daisy will come back to him so he could have it all. When Gatsby died we saw that a great man died one that you rarely see or hear about not to continue on with his greatness. And that's what Fitzgerald wants us to see and think about. How someone so great could have so little. To be great is all based on who you are as a person not what you have and if people cannot see you for who you truly are then there is no point in changing for them because they would backstab you in the end leaving you the most lonely person in the world with no one.
Jordan T. P. 4
2/18/2014 12:27:16 am
Fitzgerald is trying to say through the death of Gatsby, that no matter how much money you have or fame, not everyone is going to be there for you in the end. Wolfsheim one of what we could consider to be one of Gatsby greater friends doesn't even plan on attending yet he is the one who takes his fortune. Daisy doesn't even attend and she is his supposed lover, but she is forced away by Tom. All of the people whom enjoyed his parties were no where to be seen. These people all used Gatsby. What we realize in the end is that friends come and go but family is forever because the only person to come to his funeral besides Nick was his father. His father knew him when he was poor and though Gatsby ran away he was still there for him in the end and proud of what his son had made of himself. Nick was the only person who saw Gatsby for who he was as well, he saw all the flaws and perfections and like Gatsby's father did not care if he was poor or rich. Fitzgerald proves that just because you lead a big life or make a big thing of yourself doesn't mean you will come out big in the end.
Daisy O. Period 4
2/18/2014 12:28:01 am
I think Fitzgerald is saying a lot with Gatsby's funeral. No one showed up to Gatsby's funeral expect Nick, Mr. Gats, a couple of servants, and Owl-eyes. Owl eyes makes the comment to Nick that "they used to go there [Gatsby's House] by the hundreds" (132). Gatsby tried so hard to impress everyone, especially Daisy, with his money, but money cannot buy friends or happiness. In the end, all of Gatsby's money meant nothing; people talked badly about him after he died. Those same people who talked bad about Gatsby were the ones who attended his parties and took advantage of his generosity. Fitzgerald shows how selfish and cruel society is.
Corey K. (period 5)
2/18/2014 11:03:39 am
This is a great take on the book and Gatsby's hopeless dream of being happy with Daisy. His money couldn't buy him happiness or her heart. The only thing that means something substantial his a person's heart and personality. Daisy was attracted to him as a person unlike the people at his parties that only liked him for his wealth. You put it greatly... Money I everything and if used incorrectly will end up amounting to nothing.
Riley S. P2
2/19/2014 10:27:20 am
I really like the end of your comment, Corey! It is so true. Money seems to be what all of life is focused around. Pay money to go to to school for an education, college to be able to get a good job, a good job to make money to be able to support yourself and family. But after a certain point, one can have so much money that it no longer holds value. If it is used to buy friendships and affections instead of for support and self care, then it will result in an unhappy end.
Justin C Period 2
2/19/2014 01:21:43 pm
I like your comment on how money cannot but happiness. I do believe that, that idea could be one thing that Fitzgerald was trying to inform as well as teach us about
Ambreen M (period 1)
2/19/2014 01:32:01 pm
I agree with you, Daisy. Money does not buy happiness at all. All Gatsby ended up with was being used of his wealth and when he was killed, no one showed any sympathy and carried on with their lives. He was taken advantage of.
Imani B. 5 -absent
2/23/2014 06:58:05 am
I like the outcome you took from the story about how society is selfish and cruel. It relates to the phrase "in the end, the only one who really has your back is yourself," and I thought that showed through the number of people who not only used Gatsby for his money, but with Daisy who was supposed to be in love with this man but didn't even take the time to go to his funeral. Gatsby was a great man but others looked right past that and took advantage of him.
Bailey F p2
2/18/2014 12:46:39 am
I think that Fitzgerald is saying alot with the turnout of Gatsby's funeral. The only people that show up are his dad (Mr. Gatz), a couple of servants, Nick, and Owl-eyes. I think that this shows readers that no matter how much fame or money you have, not everyone is going to be there for you in the end. I also do not think that Gatsby's "friends" were real friends. They were all just acquaintances to him, and they used him for his great parties and money. It is pretty sad that out of the thousands of people that would show up at his house every night to party, they didnt feel the need to go to his funeral when he died. Fitgerald shows how selfish and uncaring the people in society are overall.
Emily F 5
2/18/2014 09:52:20 am
Bailey, I agree with you that Fitzgereld is commenting on how selfish and uncaring society is. The only people who showed up to Gatsby’s funeral were “Mr. Gatz and the minister and [Nick]…[and] four or five servants” (Fitzgereld 182), yet hundreds of people attended his parties. The people only used Gatsby to have fun; they did not care about him. They came to his parties because they wanted to have fun, and because they wouldn’t get anything out of Gatsby’s funeral, they did not come, which how selfish society can be.
Stephanie B; period 5
2/18/2014 10:19:06 am
I completely agree with you. I believe the "friends" that Gatsby had only used him for the parties and the money, and did not really care about who he was as a person. I believe that Fitzgerald tried to clue us in on that early on because the conversations the guests had indicated that they did not really know Gatsby and all, and some even spread rumors about him, including one woman who stated she believed he killed a man. Another guest claimed that she tore her dress at a party she had went to in the past, and Gatsby, in his generosity, bought her an expensive gown to replace it. The woman did not express her gratitude at all, instead she complained about how weird it was of him to do so. The behaviors of the guest show that they truly did not care about how Gatsby was, but how exciting and fun his parties were. They did not go to the funeral because they believed that whatever was going on in their lives was more important, and they did not want to participate in such a "downer" activity. It really illustrates the shallowness of this society and how people are focused on themselves all the time and what makes them feel good.
Anna W. 1st
2/19/2014 01:17:07 pm
I completely agree!, All of the people that knew Gatsby, or maybe called themselves his "friends" while he was alive, didn't really know him, or care about him, they used him for his money. They probably only came to his parties because they were getting free alcohol and food. Like in the chapter when Nick first meets Gatsby, he's at the party for some time and still does not know who he is, I assume many of the other hundreds of people that were at his party probably never even met him, which is sad.
Kevin H p4
2/18/2014 12:47:17 am
What I think Fitzgerald is trying to say with gatsby's funeral in relation to the book Nick whole, is that money, greed, and a secular life style will not lead to happiness. Throughout the book, it is gatsby's goal to win over daisy again. After being reunited with daisy, when nick daisy and gatsby are talking about the green light, Nick makes the statement that "His count of enchanted objects had diminished by one" (92). The reason why the green light was an enchanted object to gatsby is because it represented daisy, however once he'd been reunited with her, he no longer had any feelings towards the green light. This shows how what he truly longed for was daisy, however the way that he sought to win her over was his moral downfall. Gatsby went and began Working with Meyer wolsheim as a bootlegger. "He and This Wolsheim bought up a lot of side-street drug-stores here and in Chicago and sold grain alcohol over the counter" (133). The reason gatsby did this is because he wanted to have money to impress daisy with. "I think he half expected her to wander into one of his parties, some night" (79). What all of these events lead to is gatsby's funeral, Attended by "a procession of three cars" (174). Nick tells a story about something he witnessed in West egg that reminds him of gatsby "a stretcher on which lies a drunken woman in a white evening dress. Her hand, which dangles over the side, sparkles cold with jewels. Gravely the men turn in at the house-- the wrong house. But no one knows the woman's name, and no one cares" (176). This basically summarizes what happened to gatsby, how money was all that people loved him for, so when he died, No one truly cared about him, and he was left alone and unknown just like the woman.
Jack M. 1
2/19/2014 10:06:22 am
Yeah I agree Kevin. Throughout his lifetime Gatsby was trying to use money and parties to get attention from Daisy, and trying to use people to get something he wants. However it seems to backfire, because he is left with only a few people who truly care, and the people he was trying to impress never really cared, and ended up using him, instead of him using them.
Tyler Kol 5
2/19/2014 12:00:10 pm
I agree with both of you. I find it extremely interesting that Gatsby was portrayed as a celebrity in the beginning of the novel, and everyone creates rumors surrounding who he is. Just like everyone who follows a celebrity, these people do not actually care for Gatsby, but rather just enjoy coming to his parties. This leaves Gatsby with no social life, without a friend to share his death with.
Ryan C
2/26/2014 04:18:51 am
I completely agree, Jack. Gatsby's grand scheme to use money and parties to buy friends (or women named Daisy) completely backfires. He is left with only a handfull of people who really care enough to pay him his last respects and attend his funeral. This section is eerily reminiscent of the poem, "Richard Corey". In the poem, Richard was a wealthy individual whom everyone looked, but was unhappy with himself because he had every material possession one could ask for, but no one to share it with. Both instances show that money and material possessions do not always lead to happiness.
Rachel VB (4)
2/18/2014 01:17:07 am
After Gatsby’s death, not many people attended Gatsby’s funeral service. “About five o’clock our procession of three cars reached the cemetery…” (Fitzgerald 174). It is crazy to think how many people showed up at his house every weekend for the parties and now when tragedy occurs there is nobody there for him. This goes to show that people did not love Gatsby, they loved his money. The comment Fitzgerald is making with this is people cannot buy friends, support, or love. Although everyone thought Gatsby had it all, the only thing he really had was money. In the end, when he really needed people, there were only a few people there.
Julia C. Period 2
2/18/2014 05:49:30 am
Rachel I agree with you that Fitzgerald is showing that you cannot buy friends or love. This is shown at his funeral when only three people show up. I also agree with you that all Gatsby had was money. I also think he would use his money to try and buy friends also to buy love because he always tried to persuade Daisy by using his money.
Rachel VB (4)
2/19/2014 12:22:28 pm
Julia, I really like your idea about not being able to buy love. The only reason Gatsby got all of his money and hosted many expensive parties was to win Daisy over. In the end Daisy did not even attend Gatsby’s funeral. This goes to show that no amount of money can buy true love.
Caitlin C. Period 2
2/18/2014 01:26:14 am
Through Gatsby’s funeral, I think Fitzgerald is making the statement that society is selfish. Everyone used Gatsby throughout the entire book, they showed up at his home, they ate his food and attended his parties, even if they weren’t invited then, all of a sudden, Gatsby dies and has nothing left to offer the people, making him unimportant. “The minister glanced several times at his watch, so I took him aside and asked him to wait for half an hour. But it wasn’t any use. Nobody came” (Fitzgerald 174) No one came to his funeral because they had nothing to get out of it. Fitzgerald is making the comment that humans are naturally self-centered. We see this before Gatsby even dies though, “I like to come,” Lucille said. “I never care what I do, so I always have a good time…” (Fitzgerald 43) People are selfish and only use Gatsby for a good time, so when he has nothing left to give them, they are uninterested and no longer care about their beloved host.
Jen M. P1
2/19/2014 04:40:26 am
I completely agree with you Caitlin, I just have a small thought to add. You say that once Gatsby is dead and has nothing left to offer to all of those people who once came to his parties, no one wants anything to do with him. This is mostly true, but even after his death, people like Klipspringer, who called in want of a pair of shoes, or that "final guest who... didn't know that the party was over" (Fitzgerald 179), are still trying to get things out of the poor man. Just a thought.
Emma S. 2
2/18/2014 04:06:05 am
Fitzgerald makes the scene about Gatsby's funeral express the idea that Gatsby is lonely and has no true friends. The people that came to his parties on the weekends, did not even bother to show up to his funeral after he died. These guests only used Gatsby for his lovely parties and the money he had. The saying that money makes everyone want to be friends with you, is true. Once you have money, people all of a sudden want to be friends to see what they can get out of you. Nick proves Gatsby's true loneliness when he says, "The minister glanced several times at his watch, so I took him aside and asked him to wait for half an hour. But it wasn't any use. Nobody came" (Fitzergald 174). The people did not show up because they did not get anything benefical out of it. They do not truly care for Gatsby as they seem to have at the parties.
Alexis B. Period 1
2/19/2014 08:13:39 am
I completely agree with you emma. I think people just used him as a way to get out of the house and enjoy life, but they showed little interest in Gatsby. I think all the silly rumors that went out around about Gatsby foreshadowed the events of his funeral. People would rather assume the worst, and make up stories than actually get to know him. Once he died, people went about their business and forgot about him
Julia C. Period 2
2/18/2014 05:45:31 am
I think that Fitzgerald is showing a lot when it comes to Gatsby's funeral. Only a few people showed up to the funeral and some others made silly excuses, it was only his friends and family who respected him and knew him as a person who came. "He had a big future before him, you know. He was only a young man, but he had a lot of brain power here" (Fitzgerald 168). I think this is important because it is coming from his father who believed in him as a person, and not just someone who would supply alcohol at weekend parties. This shows how even though Gatsby always wanted to please society that you can not buy people who care about you, and you don't have a lot of friends just because of your material things.
Megan J P4
2/19/2014 01:55:58 am
I agree with your comment Julia! Only the people that had a personal relationship with Gatsby (like Nick and Gatsby's dad) or someone who didn't believe all the gossip (like Owl Eyes) showed up to Gatsby's funeral. Even the man Gatsby let live in his house, Klipspringer, didn't come to the funeral because he wanted to go to "a sort of picnic or something" (Fitzgeral 173). Even Tom and Daisy didn't show up. This shows society's lack of morals and obsession with a person's material items instead of who they are.
Mackenzie K. period 1
2/19/2014 07:08:11 am
I agree completely with you, Julia. Despite the fact that Gatsby had a lot of parties and a lot of people came, nobody wanted to come to his funeral. This shows that it doesn't matter how many people you meet in your life or how many parties you had, what matters is the affect that you had on them. Gatsby did not have a significant affect on very many people, the only reason that people went to his house was to party.
Jordan C 5
2/19/2014 01:27:06 pm
I agree with the closing statement you made Julia. I feel like with part of the book's message being that money and material items are not the ultimate source to an easy life, Gatz's comment on Gatsby's brain shows that he was better than a rich man trying to buy friends. Because clearly, with the lack of people at the funeral, it just proves that even with all the money and power and parties, people very well have the tendency to only like you for the worldly items you can represent them, rather than anything emotional.
Giancarlo G. Period 1
2/18/2014 06:05:47 am
Fitzgerald makes a statement that has been shown throughout the whole novel. Through the thousands of strangers that have been to Gatsby's parties, all of them seen to be taking advantage of him, no one seems to care about him. Even friends that were close to Gatsby, like Klipspringer and Wolfsheim, did not care to come to Gatsby’s funeral. A funeral is usually a place where people come to get closure and pay respect to the person who passed, and no one came to respect Gatsby. Even Daisy, who causes all of the problems throughout the novel, does not make an appearance. As Nick simply states, “Daisy hadn’t sent a message or a flower” (Fitzgerald 174). I feel that this truly shows the lack of respect that Daisy had towards Gatsby; even though she loved him, she was not a big enough person to fix her own problems. The only people who came to Gatsby’s funeral were Nick, his father, and Owl-eyes, who are the only people who showed respect towards Gatsby. The people who care are not always seen, but they are always there, you just need to know who's there for you.
Carl A. Period 5
2/18/2014 07:02:00 am
I agree, that Daisy was a coward for just letting Gatsby take the fall and not even attempt to go to his funeral. It seems like she would rather live a dull life with Tom. Although, I think the main reason why people didn't show up, other than that they just took advantage of him, was that they really had no clue who this James Gatz was. They didn't know who he really was. They just knew that he threw extravagant parties and had wealth. Other than that, all they knew about him were rumors.
Rachel H. Period 4
2/18/2014 08:05:41 am
Though you bring up a good point, and I agree with it for the most part, I do not agree entirely with some of the ideas. I don't think Daisy was a coward; I think she did love him, but maybe she was just scared of what the future would have held if she did end up going. This does not necessarily make her a coward. I do not think that people did not show up because they did not know who he was; I think the main reason people did not show up is that they were not getting anything out of it, and that was Fitzgerald's comment about society, that people were getting to self absorbed, in which is a common theme throughout the entire novel.
Dong L. Period 5
2/19/2014 06:23:50 am
I agree with you Carl because Daisy was a coward for just letting Gatsby take the fall and not even attempt to go to his funeral. I think that Gatsby is trying to relate this book to life since people betray each other even though they may have a close relationship. Human are taken advantage of and they don't have any respect towards those who are betrayed.
Nadim K. Period 2
2/19/2014 07:55:59 am
I agree with you because throughout the story, people never seemed to care who was giving them all these amazing parties, they just wanted to take advantage of them. It just shows how people always took advantage of him when he had all that money and when he died, no one cared.
Vasudha P (1)
2/19/2014 12:13:04 pm
I completely agree! I believe that the insignificant number of people who attended at the funeral only foreshadow to readers why people showed up to parties. Overall, they were just there to have a good time and they didn't ever show any gratitude to Gatsby for having these huge parties. The people at Gatsby's parties who were not at his funeral prove to have a selfish behavior and live by every man of himself. Nick is one of the only ones in the novel who we can say really truly cared for Gatsby, so I agree with you that Nick symbolizes this.
Angel A 5
2/18/2014 06:12:12 am
I think Fitzgerald is saying that no one really knew Gatsby. No one took the time to find Gatsby at his parties, Nobody tried to make friends with hi, the only people in attendance was Mr. Gatz, Owl Eyes, Nick, and some servants. Out of the hundreds that would appear at his party, only two were at the funeral. When Nick describes the on why he would handle Gatsby's funeral, he says, "because no one else was interested — interested . . . with that intense personal interest to which every one has some vague right at the end." Nobody cared about Gatsby except Nick, Tom and Daisy just left, Wolfshiem refuses to get involved, the partygoers disappear, they just move on to the next party. Gatsby was judged based on his money and possessions, even Nick finds Mr, Gatz "walking up and down excitedly in the hall. His pride in his son and in his son's possessions was continually increasing." Gatsby was not measured on the man he was, but by his possessions and what he provided to the people.
Kelsey J 1
2/18/2014 06:50:55 am
Along with the thought of Gatsby being a christ-like figure, we have people not wanting to come to his funeral. People's debasement from religion and the way people "retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness... (and) let(ting) other people clean up the mess they had made" (135) show that people are becoming more corrupted by the day. People don't really care about Gatsby they only care about the material possessions he provided and the wonderful show he put on at the parties.
Brittany D period 1
2/19/2014 10:48:08 am
I agree with all of this Kelsey but I would add the fact that Daisy didn't come was not just about the material objects he provided her with. Daisy not coming proved the corruption of society more than the lack of attendance by his party guest. Daisy was his supposed lover and she "supposedly" cared about more than his possessions and she didn't come. In the end she cared more about her dignity and was to worried about her shame to attend his funeral.
Carl A. Period 5
2/18/2014 06:52:16 am
Fitzgerald is trying to say that all the people that went to his parties did not really care much about Gatsby. They only cared about his possessions and parties he held. Especially when Nick tried to get people to go to Gatsby's funeral, "The minister glanced several times at his watch, so I took him aside and asked him to wait for half an hour. But it wasn't any use. Nobody came" (174). Not one single person. Another reason why they may didn't come may be that the people didn't really know Gatsby. He was a mysterious man with many rumors about him. Why would these people go to his funeral if they hardly knew him at all? The main point is that you can't buy friends, happiness, or love. It just doesn't work.
Harshita K 1
2/18/2014 08:59:23 am
Great comment I love how at the end of your comment you added why would anyone go to his funeral if they hardly knew them at all? But then I bring my self to the question Nick Carraway is one of those people who haven't even seen Gatsby until recently and how much can you really know about a person to say that you know them. For those who have known Gatsby even longer for example Daisy didn't even show up to his funeral what kind of game was she trying to play. It goes to show that only a couple people who auctually cared. The time you spent together is nether the less important than the relation itself. Nick seems to care about Gatsby the most even though he's known him for the least amount of time.
Harshita K 1
2/18/2014 09:05:39 am
In addition to my last idea I believe that since Nick took the time to look involuntarily out the windows for other cars. So did Gatsby's father...[Nick] asked [the minister] to wait for half an hour. But it wasn't any use. Nobody came" the readers were tricked Into thinking that everyone cared about Gatsby from the number of attendants to the extravagant parties but in the end leave out the Gatsby and that's exactly what almost everyone came for.
Matt R. Period 2
2/19/2014 01:06:19 am
I agree with you but I think Fitzgerald wanted to put more of an emphasis on the faults of society rather than Gatsby. Although he did try and buy love, the reader mainly feels sorry for Gatsby throughout the story. Fitzgerald focuses on how society only cares about the parties and superficial things, but pay no attention to Gatsby as a person. They think of him as "just a man named Gatsby." Fitzgerald is commenting on the faults of society not Gatsby.
Gilton C P4
2/19/2014 02:01:26 pm
I agree with you in the fact that none of the people that showed up to his parties belong at his funeral. They never knew who Gatsby was or anything about him. They only came to his parties because of his material possessions and since a funeral lacks anything of the sort they have no intention of coming. I think that this further speaks to the social level of characters like Daisy and Tom who see no value in human life or invest time in anything that isn’t “fun”. And like how Nick says in Chapter 9 in reference to Tom; “I felt suddenly as if I were talking to a child,” explains how this purposeless lifestyle of theirs they were born into and thus hard to change or even register as ill behavior. But regardless whether conduct is founded on a hard rock or wet marshes at some point it shouldn’t matter but just exist.
Scott A. 5th
2/18/2014 07:06:05 am
I think Fitzgerald really stresses Gatsby's funeral as a lonesome rainy day. The Great Gasby was a generous man that satisfied others needs. He threw house parties left and right but never really developed relationships with his partygoers. He threw the parties simply because he was a lonely man on the inside. He wanted Daisy to be his love and always applied his money to care for others. For example, he bought a brand new dress for one of his partygoers after she tore it at his party. This man cared for others and enjoyed having people around him. The parties were an artifical satisfaction and he felt loved because people always came. Owl eyes points out at the funeral, expressing Gatsby's parties, "they used to go there by the hundreds" (Fitzgerald 175). At the funeral no one was there to support the man that held all of the parties. The people that attended were artifical and truely did not care about Gatsby. They simply went to his house to get drunk, have a good time, and use him. At the end of the book, you truely perceive how lonely Gasby was.
Carissa C. P4
2/18/2014 07:22:12 am
Fitzgerald is trying to state that people are superficial and will only use people and toss them aside when they are finished. Gatsby essentially came from nothing and worked hard to get where he was, with his father stating, "Jimmy was bound to get ahead. He always had some resolves like this or something. " (Fitzgerald 165). People used Gatsby for his parties and took advantage of the lavish lifestyle he lived and I assumed there would be many people at the funeral. I was wrong however when Fitzgerald states that only his father, Nick, and Owl-Eyes showed up. Those are the people who truly cared and respected Gatsby and got to know him closely. All the other people used Gatsby, including Tom, Daisy, and Wolfsheim, and set him up as a scapegoat. People will always take advantage of each other. They see the aspects of others that they need and purposely try to befriend them, only to ignore the other person when they need their help. Fitzgerald shows that people who care about you and matter will always be with you, weeding out all the fakers.
Lizzy K P4
2/18/2014 07:47:35 pm
I agree with you completely. Fitzgerald makes it clear that all the people who were 'friends' with Gatsby did not care enough about his death to come to the funeral. Even Nick, who says he did not respect Gatsby in the slightest had the decency to plan the entire funeral, with the only attendees being Gatsby's father and Owl-Eyes. I think Fitzgerald did this intentionally to prove a point to the world. He wanted everyone to know that people often put on a facade to reap the benefits of friendship, but true friends will be there for you when times become difficult.
Alayna D. Period 1
2/19/2014 10:13:29 am
I agree with you Carissa, the fact that almost no one came to Gatsby's funeral is very upsetting. Especially because he had seemed to have so many friends. The truth of the matter is that none of them cared for him, the people that did show up to his funeral though were the ones that got to know Gatsby and did not just use him for his money.
Dong L. Period 5
2/18/2014 07:33:50 am
I think that Fitzgerald is trying to say that in life people take advantage of each other in order to achieve their goal, however they don't feel that much accomplish since they didn't achieve it by their own hands. Gatsby threw all these parties that random strangers attend and take advantage of him, while Gatsby is using these parties in order to meet his one dream woman, Daisy. At Gatsby's funeral, "The minister glanced several times at his watch, so I took him aside and asked him to wait for half an hour. But it wasn't any use. Nobody came" (Fitzgerald 174). People betray others in life like how Daisy ran away with Tom and didn't attend the funeral and so does the hundreds of people who attend all of his parties.
Kathryn P P2
2/19/2014 05:37:10 am
Dong, I agree with you that people used Gatsby for their own personal gain, but don't forget about the others that attended. His father, Owl-Eyes? What about Wolfsheim and Klipspringer, who were also close to Gatsby, but didn't attend?
Lizzy K P4
2/18/2014 07:36:15 am
I think Fitzgerald is telling the reader that Gatsby was being used through his funeral. When Nick goes to New York to ask Wolfsheim to come to Gatsby's funeral, Wolfsheim clearly states that when he found out about Gatsby's history, he "knew [he] could use him good" (Fitzgerald 171). People did not go to Gatsby for friendship, they went to him because he appeared to live a luxurious life that was filled with mystery. The lack of attendance at Gatsby's funeral proves this.
Carissa C. P4
2/19/2014 02:55:54 am
Lizzy, you are correct and I agree with you. People only used Gatsby and all his benefits to help themselves, being selfish. When the time came to honor Gatsby's life, everyone flaked and never attended his funeral, essentially showing that they used him. Fitzgerald is trying to make the point that society is artificial.
Paulette D. Period 5
2/18/2014 07:52:49 am
Fitzgerald was trying to say that money or glamorous parties will not make a person happy. The day of the funeral, only the people who truly knew James Gatz attended, because the cared about him for who he truly was. Unlike the guy on the phone who called regarding his tennis shoes that he left and wanted them sent to him (Fitzgerald 169). He had the audacity to call for his shoes but deny the invitation to Gatsby funeral all because he has to go on a picnic. Fitzgerald wanted readers to realize that money won’t solve problems, they only temporarily remove them.
Amanna V (4)
2/18/2014 10:01:58 am
I agree with your view Paulette. Money to Gatsby equaled everything. He thought he could get status, friends, and the girl he loved with his wealth. However as the funeral displayed, no one really cared much about Gatsby. Like the man who wanted his tennis shoes, they only want the materialistic things, and throw away relationships if they do not get what they want. So basically, money can't really solve any problems, just make it appear as if they disappeared.
Ammara A
2/18/2014 11:21:58 am
I like how you said James Gatz because that is who he was. People often forget that beside the sudden wealth he was an ordinary guy with an ordinary life.
Brenda N. 4
2/19/2014 12:17:48 pm
I agree with your view on the lesson Fitzgerald gives us through Gatsby's funeral. But I feel that he is also trying to make us understand the other characters as well. Like Daisy for example. Readers are able to see how shallow Daisy and the community she associates with by how she reacts the the funeral. She doesn't come at all. There are not any flowers or remorse shown, it's like she only wants to move on from the past and we as readers learn a little more about Daisy's 'love' for Gatsby and feel sorry for the two.
Rachel H. Period 4
2/18/2014 08:00:58 am
I think that Fitzgerald is trying to comment on how selfish people can be with Gatsby's funeral. Gatsby was a man who cared and gave a lot to everyone. He was always polite, welcoming, and just wanted to find his love in return. However, people used him for his extravagant parties and wealth; they were never really his true friends. After everything he welcomed them to with open arms, only Mr. Gatz, Nick, Owl-eyes and some servants showed up to his funeral. This goes to show how many people had really cared for him; "[Nick] began to look involuntarily out the windows for other cars. So did Gatsby's father...[Nick] asked [the minister] to wait for half an hour. But it wasn't any use. Nobody came" (Fitzgerald 174). It is really sad what had ended up happening to Gatsby. Everyone seemed so mesmerized by him, and the fact that none of them showed up was upsetting. I think Fitzgerald was commenting on society to show how self absorbed people were becoming.
Giancarlo G. Period 1
2/19/2014 03:23:30 am
I agree with you, Rachel. Through Gatsby's parties, all of the strangers seemed to take advantage of him, no one seemed to care about him, they only cared about the luxurious party. Even friends that were close to Gatsby, like Klipspringer and Wolfsheim, did not care to come to Gatsby’s funeral. I feel that Daisy was the most selfish person in the whole story. She causes all of the problems throughout the novel, and does not make an appearance to show respect for all that’s Gatsby done. As Nick simply states, “Daisy hadn’t sent a message or a flower” (Fitzgerald 174). I feel that this truly shows the lack of respect that Daisy had towards Gatsby; even though she loved him, she was not a big enough person to fix her own problems. She was selfish, in my opinion; she did not have the courage to get closure with Gatsby, or even support her cousin, Nick, at the funeral.
Joe S. Period 1
2/18/2014 08:22:08 am
Fitzgerald introduces Gatsby's funeral to emphasize that of all the people who knew Gatsby, only a very few actually cared about him. Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald secretly showed that all the people who attended his parties only used him for entertainment and not actually appreciated him for who he was. No one besides the few handful at his funeral loved or cared for him as a person. Daisy "hadn’t sent a message or a flower” (Fitzgerald 174), showing that although she had loved him, she didn't really care for him. In a way, I think Fitzgerald implies that although Daisy had so much love for Gatsby, she used him to save her self from the "accident" she committed. She was caught up in her own confused world to realize the corruption she has created. On the other hand, the funeral is also included to emphasize the people who really loved him, one of them being his best friend Nick. In the novel, Nick seems very lonely and realizes many things about some of the characters. Nick is a symbol for one of the very little people who had strong caring feelings for Gatsby. Nick knew him for a much shorter time than others and cared so much for his [presence. Gatsby didn't deserve the cruel goodbye, he was always polite, caring, generous, and kind to everyone. I also think that the owl eyes are introduced in the chapter to emphasize that Nicks actions and thoughts are being watched and left for him to understand and figure out his own conclusions.
Noelle Sather- Period 4
2/19/2014 09:44:25 am
I agree with this analysis, Joe. I believe that the low amount of people who showed up at the funeral prove to readers how much the people at Gatsby's parties actually cared. It also gives readers a bad image of the people at Gatsby's parties all together because they were just there to have a good time and they didn't ever show any gratitude to Gatsby for having these huge parties. The people at Gatsby's parties who were not at his funeral prove to have unethical morals. Nick is one of the only ones in the novel who we can say really truly cared for Gatsby, so I agree with you that Nick symbolizes this.
Mackenzie K. period 1
2/18/2014 08:30:06 am
Fitzgerald is making the comment, which I believe, he has been trying to make the whole time, that Gatsby, despite the fact that he had extravagant parties with a lot of people, none of them cared about him. They were all using him for his money and alcohol. Nick says that "[Nick] was responsible, because no one else was interested," (Fitzgerald 164). Nick is realizing that even though there was a huge list in the beginning of the novel of people who regularly came to Gatsby's parties, nobody bothered to show up to his funeral because nobody cared about Gatsby as a person except Nick. Even Daisy, she admitted to not wanting to marry Gatsby because of his lack of money. I think this also in a way, shows how materialistic society is. We live for the money and for the parties but in the end, nobody really cares. I believe that he is sending a message to people warning them that if we don't change the way that view other people, nobody is going to have an impact on anybody's life.
Jelani p 2
2/19/2014 12:14:31 pm
Gatsby really was just being used by the people for free food and hospitality, but he also did use them because the purpose of the parties was for Daisy to stroll in one day. Fitzgerald really comments on the hollowness of people with the coming and going of people to parties in which they never knew the host.
Lyssa L. p4
2/19/2014 01:32:33 pm
I agree with you, Mackenzie and I think you make a great point, Jelani. I do think Gatsby was being used and nobody was really his friend or ever got to truly know him, but it works both ways. Gatsby was also using the guests to gain popularity and impress Daisy. Gatsby never tried reaching out to somebody on a person level besides Nick, most of his interactions were superficial, thus why Nick was one of three who attended Gatsby's funeral. Fitzgerald is saying that one never really knows how the life he or she is given will turn out, so it's important to act right with a good heart, and not to be shallow and manipulative like the guests and Gatsby were, because Gatsby wasn't the best person either, based upon how he came into his money.
Nadim K
2/18/2014 08:38:41 am
When reading this part, you are able to understand that Fitzgerald is trying to show us that even though Gatsby had all those friends and all that money and even though he helped people and hosted the most amazing party, barely anyone showed up to his funeral. Even "Daisy hadn't sent a message or a flower"(Fitzgerald 174). This goes to show that people used him for his money and generosity and didn't even care about him as a person.
Shelby D 5
2/19/2014 12:17:55 pm
I completely agree with you, Fitzgerald is trying to prove the point that no matter how much money you have, it will never be enough to buy true friendship with others. Even Wolfshiem, whom Gatsby worked with in his gain of wealth, would not attend his funeral. In fact, Wolfshiem tells Nick in the letter that he “cannot come down now as [he] is tied up in some very important business” (Fitzgerald 135). This, I believe, truly demonstrates the little power money actually has.
Harshita K 1
2/18/2014 08:50:10 am
I feel as though Fitzgerald used daisy as a cover up for his funeral because of his love for Daisy. He fell in love with her prior to his death and never stopped loving her for who she is. He even took the blame for her for killing Toms mistress, maybe under the feeling of jealousy. He knew that all along yet he chose to take the bullet and decided to never say it is her. When Nick was the only one who showed up to his funeral it showed how superficial the rest of the world can be in the sense of being Rich and selfless. Gatsby gave his dream everybit of his attention and never received the same treatment in return. Daisy, who causes all of the problems throughout the novel, does not even make an appearance. As Nick simply states, “Daisy hadn’t sent a message or a flower” (Fitzgerald 174). Did she really love Gatsby in the end or did she give in again because of his "extravagant shirts". In the duration of Gatsby's death and funeral Nick was the only one who seemed to give any attention what's really going on and he freaks out. Although there were a small amount of people who attended the funeral Gatsby was a great man.
Elizabeth Z 2
2/19/2014 05:53:50 am
That is really interesting, I never thought of it like that, Harshita. Though I don't consider most of the people who did attend Gatsby's party to be his friends, I do agree with everything else you said. It is very thought-provoking that you brought up the idea that Daisy may have just been in love with Gatsby's wealth, not just him. She may have been looking for someone to love her, and fell for Gatsby because they used to be together, and she knew that Tom didn't really love her.
Shivam P. Period 2
2/18/2014 09:02:15 am
I feel as if Fitzgerald is trying to say that no one cares about each other , as long as they all have a good time. Nobody shows up to Gatsby's funeral even though they all happened to make it to his insane parties. It shows how shallow people are and how they didn't go out of their way to meet the man, as stated in chapter three. Gatsby always cared about the people he encountered, while the people he encountered only cared about what Gatsby offered them. I think that Fitzgerald is trying to show the selfishness in humanity.
Mark M P5
2/19/2014 12:13:08 pm
I agree with what you're saying. In the earlier chapters, the attendees of Gatsby's parties were bad mouthing the person throwing the extravagant party for them. It shows how people that live in these wealthy situations lose all sense of reality and only care about the material goods around them.
Tyler Ken. 1
2/18/2014 09:12:58 am
I think the message Fitzgerald is trying to send is that money cannot buy one happiness and it can only buy material possessions. Through the novel Gatsby had it all: a Yellow Rolls Royce, a Large Mansion, a pool which only used in chapter 9 and large parties with people he barely knew and the people barely new him. Fitzgerald is also trying to state that money cannot buy connections. Even with the large wealth Gatsby has come to gain, he cannot grasp Daisy's love for him. Fitzgerald is trying to point out that society as a whole is like Tom and Daisy, "careless people... they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or vast carelessness or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made" (188). Fitzgerald final comment is that society may go "into the jewelry store to buy a pearl necklace- or perhaps only a pair of cuff buttons" (188) does not make one truly happy and that happiness must come from within, not from wealth or love from another.
Emily F 5
2/18/2014 09:42:32 am
Fitzgereld is commenting on how there were hundreds of people who would come to Gatsby’s parties, but almost no one came to his funeral to show him any respect. The people just used Gatsby to go to his parties; no one paid any attention to him as a person. This was also seen when Gatsby had parties and no one bothered to look for the host. Many of the people would even talk bad about him at his own parties. After Gatsby’s death, one man who called was more concerned “about the pair of shoes [he] left at [Gatsby’s]” (Fitzgereld 177) than Gatsby’s death which shows how people were more concerned with materialistic items and what Gatsby did for them rather than Gatsby himself. It shows that the people are so selfish they won’t go to Gatsby’s unless they get something for themselves.
Angel A 5
2/19/2014 05:46:55 am
I agree with you, nobody cared when Gatsby died. Very few people attended his funeral, no one payed him any kind of respect. The only reason why people where even interested in Gatsby was because of his wealth and possessions. Otherwise, he was just being used, his generosity and hospitality was taken for granted. People only went to Gatsby because It only benefited them.
Amanna V (4)
2/18/2014 09:56:59 am
I think Gatsby's funeral represented how civilization, as a whole, behave (particularly in the 20's). When Gatsby threw lavish parties and spoiled his guests with food, entertainment, and gifts, the general public seemed to love him. They all showed up to his house and indulged in his luxuries for their own self satisfaction. They never liked Gatsby, they even spread rumors about him at his own party! They just wanted to use him and take advantage of his kindness. To poor Gatsby, he thought that giving these "friends" riches and gifts would show his good character and make them companions in the long run. However no one cared about Gatsby, as displayed when practically no one came to his funeral. As Nick noted, "The minister glanced several times at his watch, so I took him aside and asked him to wait for half an hour. But it wasn't any use. Nobody came." (Fitzgerald 174). When you have nothing to give society, society doesn't really give any importance to you, as displayed with Gatsby.
Joe S. Period 1
2/19/2014 05:36:28 am
You make a good point about how the guests only showed up for their self satisfaction. No one cared for him and to me, it seems really sad. I do think that if Gatsby would have actually introduced himself to his guests, he would have had something much more grand to offer. Nick was one of the only ones who cared and went to his funeral he waited "But it wasn't any use. Nobody came" (Fitzgerald 174).
Morganne J p.5
2/18/2014 10:16:23 am
I think that Fitzgerald is mainly trying to explain that at the end of the day, no matter what you have in this world, it can all be easily taken out from under your fingertips. No one has the capability to ensure or protect anything is this world and that is exactly what happened to Gatsby. He dreamt big to what his heart desired, however he only thought of what could bring him happiness in the moment. In life though, we can’t afford to, “beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past,” (Fitzgerald 180) because the past will be forever unchangeable while the future is always waiting to be decided.
Alyssa Z. period 4
2/19/2014 01:39:58 pm
I agree with you Morganne, I used that same quote as my favorite quote in the newest blog. I think that the quote has a lot of meaning that can vary. I also agree with you analysis of the characters not being able to live in the past as well as them being forced to move on.
Hailey A. 2
2/18/2014 10:22:32 am
Firzgerald makes a comment that has been hinted at throughout the whole story. Thousands of people go to Gatsby's house and takes his hospitality but like in chapter 3, Nick was shocked that no one knew who Gatsby was, even though they were eating his food and sleeping at his house. At his funeral, no one comes to pay their respect, or was sad about the passing of Gatsby, no one probably even knew. People no longer cared about him, they just liked that he threw big parties and now that he is gone, they won't have that anymore.
Ryan C 4
2/18/2014 10:29:31 am
Gatsby's funeral shows that even though he surrounded himself with many people week after week, nobody cared enough to show up at his funeral. They took advantage of his hospitality, overstayed their welcome (not like Gatsby cared...) and did not even care enough to know him. At the funeral, only Nick, Owl Eyes, Gatsby's dad and a few servants attended. Nick "took the minister aside and asked him to wait for a half an hour" (174). Only the small amount of people there show that all the people that attended his parties liked him for his wealth, not for who he truly was.
Tyler Ken. 1
2/19/2014 06:45:19 am
I agree with you that the people who Gatsby surronded himself with did not care about him and used Gatsby for pleasure. It is shown in the end that the only developed character in the novel that cared about Gatsby is Nick when he states, "I wanted to get somebody for him. I wanted to go into the room where he lay and reassure him: ' I'll get somebody for you, Gatsby. Don't worry. Just trust me I'll get somebody for you-"(172). Nick cares deeply about Gatsby even after his death and at Gatsby funeral that Daisy, the person he loved so deeply, "hadn't sent a message or a flower"(183).
Yousuf A Period 5
2/19/2014 11:20:15 am
I agree with you Ryan, as nobody cared when Gatsby died. Very few people attended his funeral, no one payed him any kind of respect. The only reason why people where even interested in Gatsby was because of his wealth and possessions. Otherwise, he was just being used, his generosity and hospitality was taken for granted. People only went to Gatsby because It only benefited them.
Amber H. p4
2/18/2014 10:38:36 am
I believe Fitzgerald is saying that no matter how many people you may have in your life, you are alive when you die, people don't die with you, it's impossible. He is sending the message that in the end we are all alone. The only people that were there for Gatsby were his dad and Nick. Gatsby was seen as someone that was easily walked over because every single person that attended his parties, except Nick, did not attend his funeral. And I think Fitzgerald is also saying to live the life that you have because it can be taken out of no where. Gatsby spent his life chasing a dream and not really living for him, but when he took the time to finally go in his pool, I think he finally started to learn how to take time for himself. And think of himself, but that was ripped away from him when Wilson shot him.
Hailey A. 2
2/19/2014 11:05:22 am
I totally agree with you, we can have so many people in our lives, we all end up alone in the end. Once people have what they want out of you, they leave you in a split second. I agree with you also on the thought of "your life can be taken from you in a split second", you really don't know what could happen tomorrow, live you life.
Stephanie B; period 5
2/18/2014 10:52:37 am
I believe Fitzgerald is commenting on the fact that it is rare to find true friends in this society, or in society in general. Most people are only focused on themselves and are not considerate of others. Almost instantly, Nick observed the behaviors of the guests who attended Gatsby's parties, and none of them bothered to find the host like Nick did, which is a respectful gesture. No one cared to express their gratitude to Gatsby for throwing the party, in fact, most people were not even personally invited by Gatsby. At the beginning of the book, Gatsby is portrayed as a selfless and genuine person; he does not even drink. However, one of the guests at the party states that she tore her dress at one of his parties sometime ago, and Gatsby was kind enough to buy her an expensive gown to replace the torn one. However, this woman did not even express her gratitude for the genuine act, instead, she claimed that it was a strange thing for him to do. I find this example clearly illustrates the shallowness of this society and how everyone is focused on themselves. Therefore, the "friends" that Gatsby had only used him for the parties and the money, and did not really care about who he was as a person. For example, Wolfsheim states several times that he cannot get "mixed up" in the funeral and that he has more "important business" to attend to. Klipspringer says he cannot go because he has a picnic with some people the day of the funeral, and these people "expect him to be there" (169). It is evident that the ones who Nick invites to the funeral are not willing to set their plans aside or interrupt their lives for Gatsby, who is supposedly their "friend". Wolfsheim even tells Nick that "when [Gatsby] told [him] he was an Oggsford, [he] knew [he] could use him good" (171). The phrase "use him for good" implies that Gatsby was merely a tool for Wolfsheim for his business. Nick then "[wonders] if this partnership had included the World's Series transaction in 1919", suggesting that Nick believes this is the case as well. Gatsby did not have many true friends besides Nick; Nick is the only one who decides to go the extra mile for him. The other "friends" Gatsby had were only using him for their own purposes, such as entertainment and wealth. They choose to not go to the funeral because they believe that whatever is going on in their lives is more important, and they do not want to be bothered with such a drag of an activity like his funeral.
Vasudha P (4)
2/18/2014 10:58:43 am
While many would see that the poor outcome of supporters attended Gatsby's funeral proves that the rich also have power I tend to disagree. Rather than being focused on the East Egg it's focused on the fact that the number of good people are insignificant compared to the sinners. Barely anyone mourned over Gatsby. God can only watch and feel the outcome is up to humans. For Example, "It was the man with owl-eyed glasses whom I had found marveling over Gatsby’s books in the library one night three months before. I’d never seen him since then. I don’t know how he knew about the funeral, or even his name. The rain poured down his thick glasses, and he took them off and wiped them to see the protecting canvas unrolled from Gatsby’s grave." The Owl-Eyed Man is similar to the billboard for Dr. T. J. Eckleburg with the "all-seeing" eyes. Both symbolize an uninvolved, spectator god. They watch all the activities of the humans struggling below, but don't comment on them or try to correct wrongs or lessen burdens. While Owl-Eyes does make a comment about Gatsby's real books earlier in the novel, he still provides Nick with no advice or significant knowledge about Gatsby. He simply makes his observation and leaves it up to Nick to draw his own conclusions.
Becca K Period 4
2/18/2014 10:59:07 am
Throughout the entire novel, Fitzgerald is commenting on how people had corrupted values during this time period. A lot of value was placed on wealth, things that didn't matter. While "the world and its mistress returned to Gatsby's lawn" (Fitgerald 58) every weekend for one of his lavish parties, no one saw value in a relationship with him. His generosity was greatly overlooked by the numerous selfish people that fed off of him. When it came to his funeral, "nobody came" (Fitzgerald 174). Nobody even had the decency to show up and honor a person that gave them so much. This sums up the point Fitzgerald was trying to show throughout the novel of how society is selfish, and has immoral values.
Corey K. (period 5)
2/18/2014 11:00:03 am
Fitzgerald has done a great job in developing Gatsby and the rest of society. He emerged as a more real person and although he slips up time to time, he acts with good set of morals. He is a genuine person and cares for others by throwing party, buying things and in Daisy's case, doing everything he can to maker her happy. As for the rest of society (the people who go to his party) they act childish and feed off of his wealth. They use him for pleasure and take bad about him behind his back. The people have even gone so far as to stop attending church and disregard the "plan" God has. I believe a great example of this is Owl Eyes. While commenting on the books saying, "About that. As a matter of fact you needn't bother to ascertain. I ascertained. they're real" (45). he is subliminally talking about Gatsby and the way he conducts himself. Instead of being fake like the people at his party or the materialistic things within his house, Gatsby is a real person. He is separated from the rest of society. His knowledge, which can be gathered form the books, are real.
Chandler S. Period 5
2/19/2014 11:44:32 am
Corey, I'm going to have to disagree with you on this one. I do agree with you that the people in the society are people who have lost all motive in life. But, my idea of Gatsby is different. I think of Gatsby to have a clear motive and it's Daisy. Everything he does is for her. I really don't think he had much of anything for the people that came to his parties. I'm sure he liked to feel embraced, but I don't think that feeling is anywhere close to his feelings for Daisy. I can't blame Gatsby for who he is because he is doing it in good purpose. It really is not a shock to me that nobody came to his funeral when he died. Nobody really knew him and I think Fitzgerald wants the reader to feel bad for Gatsby but not change their opinion about him as a character. It is hard to have a solid understanding of how we as readers are supposed to feel about Gatsby, but I think Fitzgerald does that intentionally.
Chris Q 1
2/18/2014 11:07:44 am
I think that Fitzgerald uses the funeral scene to warn us. Gatsby spent all this time creating wealth instead of forming multiple, healthy relationships. He used wealth to in a sense "buy" love. The only person that actually cares about Gatsby is Nick, and his friendship was not bought. When we all die, our possessions do not matter, but our friendships with people do.
Katelyn B Period 2
2/18/2014 12:17:50 pm
I completely agree with you in saying that in the end the possessions of which you owned do not compare to the value of genuine friendships that you create in life. Money can only buy someone short term happiness and relationships, but can result in fake friendships that mean absolutely nothing to those who are receiving/benefitting from the wealthy. This idea is prevalent as Fitzgerald points at Gatsby's funeral that, "...our procession of three cars reached the cemetery" (Fitzgerald 174), showing that out of the hundreds that attended his parties and some of his so-called "friends" (Daisy and Wolfsheim), only three people truly shared a meaningful relationship with him. Those hundreds of people only used Gatsby for his parties and wealth, not showing any care in his passing. However, those three lives that he did impact and formed strong bonds with are now able to continue on and showcase his life's legacy in someway so that he is not completely forgotten.
Daniella A P.4
2/18/2014 11:07:57 am
From the comments made on Gatsby's funeral, we can conclude that people never truly cared about him. Gatsby tried hard to impress everyone. They came to his parties only for the party. At the funeral, only nick and Gatsby's dad showed up. "[Nick] began to look involuntarily out the windows for other cars. So did Gatsby's father...[Nick] asked [the minister] to wait for half an hour. But it wasn't any use. Nobody came" (Fitzgerald 174). Everyone only enjoyed Gatsby's presence when he was giving them a party, but now that he's gone, it makes no difference to them.
Ali D. 4
2/19/2014 11:26:30 am
I agree with you completely. Gatsby's death did not mean anything to many people. People enjoyed him for his wealth and how going to his parties could make their social status look higher. No one got to know Gatby they simply just used him. I think the comment being made on the funeral is that no one cares about the man he is only what he had and that's why no one went besides his father and Nick.
Eric F 2
2/18/2014 11:10:54 am
I believe fitzgerald's main point is that wealth and material possessions are ultimately useless, no matter the amount or value. Gatsby accumulated riches that would make anyone jealous, then they disappeared almost as quickly as they came. The universe cares not for anyone's money. Even his father and supposed closest friend appear more interested in what he had them what he did. Even with his romantic ideals, Gatsby died like he lived- alone.
Rachel VW period 5
2/18/2014 11:13:31 am
No matter how hard someone tries for something, in the end we all die. Gatsby lived for one thing and one thing only, and it was Daisy. After all the parties, all the money he made just to live across the lake from her, it meant nothing in a realistic standpoint. Gatsby never got the girl, or the friends, all he got was death. Fitzgerald is really emphasizing the green light at the end of the tunnel in the chapter as well. The comments Fitzgerald made were sad, but real. No one came to his funeral, but everyone found time for his party.
Ammara A 1
2/18/2014 11:15:08 am
I think Fitzgeralds comment on Gatsby's funeral was to emphasize that society is materialistic and lust over money and lavish lifestyles. Also, his dad taking a picture of the mansion is Fitzgeralds way of saying even his own father wants to remember his son by his wealth and shows how low people can be,
Jennifer C. Period 1
2/18/2014 12:27:22 pm
I agree with you, Ammara, on how his own father could not get over the fact of his son's accomplishments even when his funeral was the next day and "...his grief began to be mixed with an awed pride" (Fitzgerald 168). He doesn't really talk about Gatsby other than the fact on how far he has gotten and how he knew he was to get ahead in life. Fitzgerald is basically stating that even those closest to Gatsby are marveled by his wealth instead of concerned with the loss of a loved one.
Haley M period 4
2/18/2014 11:18:32 am
After Gatsby died, barely anyone attended his funeral. "About five o’clock our procession of three cars reached the cemetery” (Fitzgerald 174). This shows that the people who attended his parties did not care about him at all. The only thing they cared about was themselves having fun. At the beginning of the novel they did not introduce themselves to him and when he died they did not attend his funeral. This shows that with all of Gatsby's money, it could not buy him friends or happiness. Even his money could not win over his true love. Daisy would not even attend the funeral.
Becca K Period 4
2/19/2014 06:12:04 am
I agree with you that in the end, Gatsbys money could not buy him friends or happiness. I also think that the fact "nobody came" (Fitzgerald 178), to his funeral truly shows where everyone's values lie. I think Fitzgerald was more commenting on the fact that people valued wealth over creating lasting friendships. People didn't appreciate Gatsby for his generosity, in fact most people had never met him. This shows societies selfishness, they take and take but never give back.
Ammara A
2/18/2014 11:18:58 am
To add on, the mansion has always been empty in a way. Even though there were so many people there not many people actually knew who the host was. When no one shows upFitzgerald is saying he didnt really have anyone to begin with.
Mark M 5
2/18/2014 11:19:23 am
Gatsby's funeral provides a way for Fitzgerald to show his message. Gatsby was incredibly wealthy in terms of monetary value, but the lack of people that showed up to his funeral shows that his wealth never translated into people that actually cared about him. I believe Fitzgerald is saying that we, as humans, spend too much time worrying about monetary value when we should instead focus more on what we have right in front of us,
Bakari C.
2/19/2014 01:05:47 pm
Mark, with respect, I believe that you are missing something. The people who came to the party did exactly what Gatsby wanted them to do. His methods to his approach to love werr very intentional because of how he wanted to go about reuniting with Daisy. He never wanted those who came to the party to care about him. Rather, he wanted them to be ammunition which would fuel Daisy's presence. on your note to move until you love, when we look at the guest who came to the party, that is most definitely the case. But taking the situation into getspc you, that is porn from what was going on. From Gatsby's choice in the house, to the Tea Party, to his party, he never wanted momentary satisfaction. And I believe that with the lack of presence people at his funeral, it proves that she never wished for a momentary satisfaction. Simply playing the devil's advocate, I hope you see where I'm coming from,
Caleb S, Period 5
2/18/2014 11:22:36 am
Fitzgerald has made the same comment that has been highlighted many times through out the novel. Through out the story Gatsby has these parties and thousands of people come and have a great time. But the people didn’t even notice who Gatsby was. In chapter 3 Nick was surprised that no one knew who Gatsby was or even thought about meeting him. This same theme was showed at Gatsby funeral, where no one comes to it. No one came to pay his or her respects. Also it repeats its self-saying that Gatsby “gave and gave to society, but society never gave back”. The people’s morals didn’t care about Gatsby they just carried about if he was throwing another party.
Paula R. Period 5
2/18/2014 11:26:47 am
Fitzgerald expresses the ongoing idea of using someone because they have the resources but once they can't offer you anything, they mean nothing. At Gatsby's parties, hundreds and thousands of people woud show up claiming that "they were introduced by somebody who knew Gatsby, and after that they conducted themselves according to the rules of behavior associated with an amusement park" without having met Gatsby before (Fitzgerald 41). These people would show up at Gatby's house to drink and party, then leave when they had their fun. Klipspringer who seemed to live at Gatsby's mansion only "called up about a pair of shoes [he] left there", after living for free in Gatsby's house he wouldn't even go to Gatsby's funeral (169). Even Wolfsheim who worked with Gatsby in an illegal business didn't want to go to the funeral even though Gatsby's death "is one of the most terrible shocks in [his]... [but] cannot come down...[because] of very important business" (166). If Wolfsheim really appreciated Gatsby he would have put everything aside and stopped by. In the end the only people to have attended the funeral were a few butlers, Mr. Gatz (Gatsby's father), Owl-Eyes and Nick. They were reay the only people who were not corrupted enough and actually saw that Gatsby was a good man.
Daisy O. Period 4
2/19/2014 07:08:23 am
I like what you said at the end about the few sincere guests that Gatsby had at his funeral were the ones who were less corrupt than the rest of society to see how Gatsby was a great man. Gatsby was a generous man, and tried to buy his friendships with money. Nick talked to a woman at Gatsby’s party named Lucille who told him “when I was here last I tore my gown on a chair, and he [Gatsby] asked me my name and address-inside of a week I got a package from Croirier’s with a new evening gown in it” (37). Gatsby in no way needed to buy another dress for this woman who was a complete stranger to him, especially one that $265. This act is very giving, yet the society Gatsby lives in does not appreciate his kindness, but only his money. The roaring 20s was a time in history where people did whatever they wanted too. Lucille is a great representation of society because she did not show up to Gatsby’s funeral due to the fact that she wasn’t getting any benefit out of it. Lucille had told Nick that same night “I never care what I do, so I always have a good time” (37).
Megan Jaros P4
2/18/2014 11:27:40 am
Gatsby centered his whole life around recreating the past with Daisy by impressing her with wealth and material items. In the end, however, Gatsby’s dream is broken and empty. Gatsby’s crushed dreams, along with his funeral, are significant in proving how the American Dream is corrupt as well. America was founded as a land where people from humble backgrounds could make their way up to the top upon “the old island here that flowered once for Dutch sailors’ eyes- a fresh, green breast of the new world… greatest of all human dreams.. something commensurate to…wonder” (Fitzgerald 185). The Great Gatsby details how this American Dream changed in the 1920’s to an obsession with wealth, material items, and instant drug-like happiness. Hundreds of people flocked in earlier chapters to Gatsby’s lavish parties to feed of off his wealth and material items. However, when it came down to his funeral “it wasn’t any use. Nobody came” (179) except Owl Eyes, Nick, and Mr. Gatz. Even Gatsby’s dad’s face “flushed slightly, his eyes leaking isolated and unpunctual tears… His grief began to be mixed with an awed pride” (172) when he beheld Gatsby’s material possessions. However, all of Gatsby’s wealth, possessions, and parties lead him in the end to, tragically, nothing. Fitzgerald is hinting that like Gatsby’s dreams, the loss of the American Dream will cause this new wealth-driven society to crumble and in turn be led into a tragedy such as the Great Depression.
Lyssa L. P4
2/18/2014 11:30:00 am
Fitzgerald shares many powerful, sad, but fulfilling points with the readers from the death and the funeral of Gatsby. Gatsby was known for his parties, and no much of anything else. Everybody attended his parties whether they were friends with him or not. In fact, "...they used to go there by the hundreds" (Fitzgerald 175). Most people never took time to even meet their host, just took the time use him for his parties. People didn't have to pretend or try to be his friend, because he was kind and let anybody attend the parties in his home. Although, at his funeral, only 3 were there: Nick, Gatsby's father, and Owl-eyes. Not even Daisy, his one true love, the motivation for his quest for wealth that has found his heart once again, nor his close friend Wolfsheim even bothered to show up at his funeral. The meaning of this is that love, friendship, and happiness can not be bought with any amount of money. Fitzgerald wants his audience to see that being rich isn't as desirable as its been made out to be. Money isn't what makes people happy. The public never took the time to get to know him, his personality, nothing to realize and comprehend what a kind, selfless man James Gatsby is and was. Expect for Nick, who became close with Gatsby and even tells Gatsby's father that they were close friends, attends his funeral because he didn't care about the money and found joy in the friendship they had. The public mixed around wild rumors about Gatsby's relationship with Myrtle, and Wilson after his death, followed by reporters and gossipers searching his mansion for stories and juicy details. Even in death, Gatsby is as he once was, just a little more than a rumor spread by the socialites of the decade. People are cruel, and Fitzgerald had tried to emphasize the point on how people didn't care for Gatsby by not only not attending his funeral, but by also being so quick to make judgments, spread rumors, and to rummage through his home like he never was even a human being.
Hannah B P1
2/20/2014 11:24:54 am
Lyssa I totally agree with you. The fact that the people he loved most even had the nerve to ignore the last moments of his honor is pitiful, I like the point you brought about Fitzgerald trying to emphasize the lack of people caring by not attending the funeral, but also by spreading rumors and making judgments when they have never even made an effort to meet their wonderful, thoughtful host.
Monica E. Period 1
2/18/2014 11:37:04 am
I believe that Fitzgerald is pointing out that wealth will not buy what is in your heart. Daisy was with Gatsby because of his richness after the war; after he died he was nothing to her. She disappeared, without further communication. No one showed up to Gatsby's funeral except Nick and his father; for they saw Gatsby for what he was on the inside, not his wealth. Gatsby believed that everyone had something good hidden beneath their wealth and greed, but Fitzgerald is proving him wrong; this brings back the symbol of the green light. "Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future..."(Fitzgerald 180). The green light is symbolizing Daisy, and how Gatsby always believed that Daisy would come back to him. Although she never did, Fitzgerald showed us that everything is not what it seems and that no one can ever be trusted.
Amber H. p4
2/19/2014 05:24:49 am
I agree with you Monica. I think that Fitzgerald is saying that money makes you fast friends. And that people are very deceiving and cannot be trusted.
Paulette D. period 5
2/19/2014 08:24:17 am
I like your connection of Daisy to Gatsby's funeral, Monica. When you compare the parties that Gatsby throws for people that he doesn't even and he his generosity towards others, as seen with Gatsby buying a new dress for the party goer ( Fitzgerald 43). His funeral was the opposite of those parties, filled with people who have never even met Gatsby nor cared to even thank him. The people that did care about him, for rich or poor, attended Getz funeral.
Noelle Sather- Period 4
2/18/2014 11:41:25 am
Nick, showing he has come to respect Gatsby over the course of the summer, worries that, in fact, the circus-like atmosphere will allow the "grotesque, circumstantial, [and] eager" reporters to mythologize his neighbor, filling the pages of their rags with half-truths and full-blown lies. For Nick, however, even more disturbing than the free-for-all that surrounds the investigation is the fact that he finds himself "on Gatsby's side, and alone." Fitzgerald's comment about how people's morals are off becomes apparent at Gatsby's funeral. Henry C. Gatz, an unassuming man who is not nearly as wretched as one may have imagined, arrives for his son's burial. The relationship between father and son is estranged, even in death, as evidenced by Gatz's burying "Jimmy" in the East where "he always liked it better." In many ways, Gatz seems a perfectly normal man, yet there is a hint of the superficiality that's similar to Gatsby's former party guests. In one noted example, Nick finds Gatz "walking up and down excitedly in the hall. His pride in his son and in his son's possessions was continually increasing." Apparently Gatz, like so many others, measured Gatsby's merit not on the type of man he was, but on his possessions. Though Gatsby threw tons of parties and had so many people come to his house and acknowledge his wealth, not nearly as many people showed up to his funeral. This proves that the ones who attended Gatsby's parties and not his funeral are morally corrupt.
Shelby D 5
2/18/2014 11:42:29 am
I think that the lack of people who attend Gatsby’s funeral shows that even though he threw huge parties and finally had the riches and wealth he had longed for, he truly did not have any personal relations. Gatsby had focused himself solely on the wish to impress Daisy, and gave up everything else in life. In fact, after Gatsby’s funeral, Nick is admiring Gatsby’s house once more, this time however, describing it as a “huge incoherent failure of a house” (Fitzgerald 147). This house that Gatsby thought would get him what he so desired failed him.
Miranda L Period 4
2/18/2014 11:47:33 am
After Gatsby dies, Nick, Owl Eyes and Mr. Gatz are the only ones that attend his funeral. I feel like Fitzgerald is trying to make the point that everyone on Long Island only liked Gatsby for his parties and money, but no one truly valued him as a person. All his guests at the wild parties were only interested in his money. His guests were only looking for a good time and that is exactly what Gatsby gave them. After he passed away no one cared enough to come to his funeral so I feel like Fitzgerald is making the point that Gatsby was never truly liked by many of his "friends". They only liked him for his money.
Costa D. (period 2)
2/18/2014 12:57:19 pm
You make an excellent point. Gatsby was neglected by all his people who attended his parties at a time of importance. This can relate to how selfish society is. When looking at the overall large picture, Fitzgerald is drilling in the message that good and long lasting relationships where you actually know a person, are the more holy ones. Your true friends will stick out till the end, like Nick.
Taylor D. 4
2/19/2014 10:28:08 am
I really like the way that you phrased that! Gatsby, in the end, really only had the people that came to his funeral. Everyone else only wanted to use his stuff& wanted nothing more from him. It was definitely a comment towards society.
Taylor D. 4
2/18/2014 11:49:11 am
Gatsby's funeral was a huge statement and judgment towards our society. No one showed up for his funeral because they were more concerned with parties they could go to or trying to get drunk. They should have been mourning the loss of someone who welcomed them into his home and offered them a party every weekend. This is just like how the people use Gatsby for his parties, really no one gets to know the host of the party, they are only their for themselves. This is showing how our morals are rapidly decreasing. People would rather be somewhere having fun than at his funeral which is completely awful. Fitzgerald is pointing out the fact that people are awful and we will continue to be like this.
Elizabeth Z 2
2/18/2014 11:52:43 am
I fuel like Fitzgerald is trying to make a point about keeping too many secrets. From the beginning to the end, countless rumors about Gatsby's past float around. Even by the end, the reader still does not known how exactly he came into his wealth. Even Nick admits that he "disapproved of him from beginning to end" (Fitzgerald 154). With the meager attendance at Gatsby's funeral, it is made obvious that many other people feel the same way. With this, the author is illustrating that, if other is to much secrecy about one's life, few will feel comfortable trusting or even befriending them.
Ryan F 2
2/18/2014 11:58:27 am
I agree with your comment Elizabeth. One of the reasons nobody came to the funeral was because nobody could completely trust the guy. His life revolved around secrecy. Consider him a mob boss; going to a mob boss's funeral would be way too scary because of all the secrecy behind it. I say mob boss because that's how he seemed to be regarded by some.
Melissa S. (Period 2)
2/19/2014 06:52:12 am
Most readers can easily understand Gatsby's loneliness from the text. I had never connected Gatsby's loneliness to the secrets that he keeps. It's a very interesting connection that actually makes complete sense now that I think about it. It's true that earlier in the book, most people didn't even know who Gatsby was though they came to his parties. They thought of him as very hidden and secretive which probably made them confused about him.
Ryan F 2
2/18/2014 11:55:25 am
Gatsby held these tremendous parties yet never actually had a true friend. He was used for his smarts or for his money by everyone he knew. The people who truly thought he was great were the only ones who came to the funeral. Daisy obviously didn't care nearly enough, especially considering she got him killed. However, thinking back, one might say she couldn't deal with the guilt of going to his funeral. She knew it was her fault and her simple-mindedness caused her to forget to call him which would have saved him. Fitzgerald wants us to realize he didn't have true friends and also that Daisy may have just felt too much remorse to show up or just didn't care like the others.
Scott A 5th
2/19/2014 09:52:21 am
Ryan, I agree with your views of the funeral. Gatsby had everyone around him when he was living, random guest went to his parties becuause everyone that was some one was there. Gatsby had artifical friends around him and threw the parties becuase he was a lonely man. At his funeral no one was there to attend, the people that once were obsessed with Gatsby were not present. I like what you said about Daisy, she would of felt entirely guilty if she attended the funeral. She caused his death and never confessed on what really happened. Gatsby might of had it all on the outside but truely had nothing inside.
Ali D. 4
2/18/2014 11:56:36 am
The end of the life of Jay Gatsby was unfortunate to me. He was a good man trying to win over the woman he loved. The sad part is that everyone loved Jay Gatsby for his riches. Gatsby had a lot more than people could even imagine and everyone used him for it. The one thing he did not have was Daisy which is what he was really working for. Though everyone used him for what he had no one took the time to get to know him. No one showed to his funeral because he had no real friends, they were just people who used him for his items. Also, Fitzgerald notes that people were wet making me realize that is is raining again which we earlier symbolized as a bad time which his funeral was. It was sad to know that no one really cared for him, they only used him to have a good time. It was a very sad end of the novel and the rain made me realize it could be another add on to the earlier symbol even though it was just quickly mentioned.
Kathryn P P2
2/18/2014 11:57:53 am
I believe Fitzgerald is trying to show the Jay Gatsby's true character. The fact that no one showed up to his funeral showed that he was really alone in the world. When his father showed up, he was overwhelmed with grief, but was also marveling at the fantastic beauty of his house. Not even his closest friends, Wolfsheim or Klipspringer, come to his grave, because they have other places to be. The one peculiar person who did show up was Owl-Eyes, the person who Nick saw in Gatsby's library at the beginning of the book. He states, "'Blessed are the dead that the rain falls on...Amen to that" (174-175). He represents a God-like figure coming to wish Gatsby a final farewell, just like the eyes of Doctor Eckleburg.
Jordan C 2
2/19/2014 10:39:53 am
I agree with you Kathryn that Fitzgerald is trying to show who Gatsby is as a character when you remove all of the money and parties he had. Gatsby was the most loneliest character within the novel and it clearly showed at his funeral. No one cared to show up but those who felt that the true Gatsby was someone who needed to be remembered like Nick and Gatsby's father. Yes, also Owl Eyes does show up to Gatsby's funeral and this just symbolizes the connection of God or religion that only seemed to occur when people really needed it. And that people like Gatsby needed something to hope for and religion was something and it showed up to bid it's farewell.
Tyler S Period 4
2/18/2014 12:14:16 pm
What Fitzgerald is trying to say about the book is that money doesn't always get you what you want. Gatsby tries so hard to be with Daisy and tries to do this mostly by showing off his wealth. The fact Daisy nor anyone else shows up to the funeral in the end proves to readers that money and wealth are not the root of happiness.
Chandler S Period 5
2/18/2014 12:16:26 pm
All through the novel, Fitzgerald portrays Gatsby as the man everybody knows as the man every man wants to be. However when Gatsby dies and Nick is waiting for people to come to the funeral "[it] was no use, nobody came". It's hard to understand how somebody so powerful and so "loved" would not have anybody at their funeral. I think Fitzgerald is trying to make a statement the whole novel that no
matter how rich somebody is and no matter how many people surround him, he is still more lonely than the looks of it. The people at the parties didn't care about Gatsby just like Gatsby didn't care about them, and this was alright with everyone. Fitzgerald gives us this false hope of Gatsby and his parties from the beginning of the novel and this hope for Gatsby at the end of the novel. This is also key for life as well, just because someone surrounds themselves with people doesn't mean they truly enjoy the presence of the people.
Josh S. 5
2/19/2014 01:16:20 am
I completely agree with your comment Chandler. You bring up the interesting point that Gatsby does not really care at all about the other people that didn't go to his funeral but went to his parties. Many comments were made that people were shallow since they only came for a good time, but it is also good to keep in mind that the only reason Gatsby threw these parties were to attract Daisy over to show off his wealth. This would lead to another conclusion that wealth cannot buy true friendship. All the money Gatsby put out did not amount to much in the end.
Jennifer C. Period 1
2/18/2014 12:21:54 pm
As sad as it was, Gatsby never had many true friends. Throughout the entire novel, Gatsby has been used repeatedly by almost everyone. Constantly, he is used only for the purpose of others and at his parties, the guests take advantage of him so they can live in the moment, just as it was seen in previous chapters; some of his guests did not know him personally. It isn't shocking when no one arrives at his funeral because they really never cared for him. In the case of Klipspringer, Nick realized too late that it was “...his fault, for [Klipspringer] was one of those who used to sneer most bitterly at Gatsby on the courage of Gatsby’s liquor, and [he] should have known better than to call him” (Fitzgerald 169). People would gossip badly about Gatsby in his own home, that only shows how inconsiderate they were not only during his lifetime, but also after he died.
Tyler Kol 5
2/18/2014 12:31:58 pm
Fitzgerald explains that Gatsby did not make true human relations with the people who attended his parties, "...they used to go there by the hundreds" (Fitzgerald 175), yet no one shows up for his funeral. Gatsby's funeral provides the support that people did not truly respect Gatsby as a person, but rather accepted him as the mysterious host of amazing parties, never getting to know. Wolfsheim and Daisy, who were made to appear like some of Gatsby's closest friends, are now questioned readers to explain the genuine relationships they possessed.
Paula R. Period 5
2/19/2014 11:08:27 am
I never thought that Gatsby did not have other human relationships with people, Tyler but now that I think about it, I think that's right. Gatsby held these big, over-the-top, lavish parties to bring the attention of Daisy and no other reason. He didn't hold these parties to impress others, if anything he held these parties to spread his name across the East Egg where hopefully, curiosity would lead Daisy to his house. He was generous with his money in hope that the good news would somehow spread over to Daisy, attracting her over. I agree with you that I now have conflicting thoughts about Daisy because not only did she not confess to Tom that she killed Mrytle, she also didn't leave any sort of message of mourning to Nick. While I expected that from an illegal businessman like Wolfsheim, I did not expect Daisy to disappoint like that.
Corey J 5
2/18/2014 12:35:57 pm
Fitzgerald is making a statement about the type of people that are around Gatsby. Barely anyone comes to his funeral, but hundreds can attend his party. It's very predictable to see his funeral like this. The people at his parties obviously weren't there to see him, they were there because they wanted to use his for free illegal alcohol, food, and just a place to have fun. Even his close friends didn't attend. Even "Daisy hadn't sent a message or a flower" (174).
Tyler S Period 4
2/19/2014 12:02:16 pm
Corey, do you think that Fitzgerald is only making a comment on society and the people that attend Gatsby's parties, A thought that I had was that this showed what kind of man Jay may have been outside of what we know. Truly, Jay uses Nick just to get to Daisy and uses the parties for the same purpose. Could it be that the funeral just shows that all Jay cared about at all was Daisy and not the interests of anyone else.
Trevor K 4
2/19/2014 12:39:49 pm
This is an interesting point that you bring up about Gatsby. It does appear that all Gatsby cares about in the end in Daisy, evident by how "he spoke as if Daisy's reaction was the only thing that mattered" (143). However, I feel that Jay was just a man driven by his love. This is understandable because of the years that he spent apart from Daisy. In spite of this, I think that Gatsby's friendship with Nick is genuine. He offers Nick a job, even though it appears to come off as an obligation as opposed to a sincere offer. Gatsby also buys his father a house and replaced many broken or damaged items at his party. While Gatsby's actions are driven by love, he realizes that his fortune can be used to help others, even if they do not offer to help Gatsby. I feel that Gatsby does these things because he is generally a good person. Your point is very intriguing as it can be taken both ways.
Emylee F. Period 5
2/18/2014 12:38:16 pm
Fitzgerald comments on several things with Gatsby's funeral. In the book itself, he comments on how self-righteous the characters were and shows exactly what changed Nick's mind about holding back judgment. Going further, Tom, Jordan, Daisy, and everyone else who flocked to Gatsby or his parties, is Fitzgerald's way of providing a realistic idea of how society has shifted. While these people thought so greatly of him or knew of what he was able to achieve during his life, no longer saw the greatness in him when he was dead. It's almost as if though Fitzgerald projected Gatsby to be God-like, or the son of God, in reference to Jesus. Since there have been noticeable changes throughout the book at how religion was handled. It goes back to those changes, Gatsby is the religious figure and it is only when he provides goods an luxuries do people care.
Morganne J p.5
2/19/2014 06:04:14 am
I agree that all of the characters that knew of Gatsby and went to his parties were self-righteous. I also think that Fitzgerald did a great job on depicting the ways that society shifts with the use of Gatsby's character and how he is treated. Honestly, people seem to not care about who others really are anymore.
Josh S. 5
2/18/2014 12:39:25 pm
After Gatsby died, his funeral showed a lot about society and brought upon another theme in the novel. Not many people arrived at his funeral, it was described that “About five o’clock our procession of three cars reached the cemetery…” (Fitzgerald 174). Even though Gatsby threw all of these great parties and spent all this money on his home for them, and had tons of people go to the parties, in the end barely anyone was his true friend and went to his funeral. Even Wolfsheim, who seemed to be one of Gatsby's closest partners and friend, did not bother to show up. I believe that this is making the statement the money cannot buy true friendship. These people just had an artificial relationship with Gatsby and did not care all that much about them. This could also be interpreted into the idea that society is very selfish. All the people that enjoyed Gatsby's parties only liked Gatsby for his parties and to have a good time. They just used him for his money.
Renick W. 1
2/19/2014 12:29:07 pm
I think that it is more the artificial relationships that the society formed due to the money, more than the fact that money cannot buy friendship. The people were selfish and just wanted to have a good time and relax on the weekend, and that is what they used Gatsby as, a release from the mundane.
Casey D 4
2/18/2014 12:40:35 pm
Even though Gatsby seemed popular, threw extravagant parties, and was very wealthy, in the end he was not remembered and did not significantly impact most people around him. Even Daisy, the love of his life, was quick to forget him, "They were careless people, Tom and Daisy-they smashed things and creatures and then retreated back into their money..." (188). The only people who show up at his funeral are Nick, Owl Eyes, a few servants, and Gatsby’s father, Henry C. Gatz. Gatsby's overall insignificant life reflects the lives of others in society. Gatsby dies with no real impact, with almost no one to remember him by. Similarly, people in society carry on their lives focused on remedial and pointless tasks, living their lives day to day. A person only truly dies when no one is left to remember their name. By this standard both Gatsby and countless others only live for a short while.
Bri D. Period 2
2/18/2014 12:47:30 pm
I think Fitzgerald is pointing out that money cannot buy friends or happiness. This is shown throughout the book and emphasized when only three people attended his funeral. In the end, all of Gatsby's money didn't mean a thing to anyone or himself. Many people talked badly about him after he died. Those same people who talked badly about Gatsby were the ones who attended his parties and took advantage of his money. Fitzgerald is showing how people can take advantage of you, and how selfish and cruel society is.
Zak D Period 2
2/19/2014 12:12:39 pm
Bri, I agree with your idea about Fitzgerald's thought on society. Gatsby's funeral is a perfect example of how selfish and cruel the human race is in this novel. Fitzgerald sees this in the world we live in and he wants to make it a point of emphasis in his novel.
maddy b 2
2/18/2014 12:49:43 pm
I think Fitzgerald out showing the readers that regardless of his extravagant parties and the enormous hordes of people showed up, not one of them attended his funeral. This also make people think how Gatsby spent his whole life trying to get what he needed to have the girl of his dreams and never made any friends Kerry alone close friends. Just to have daisy completely stab him in the bad abd not even show up to his funeral v so there a lot doing on here
Costa D. (period 2)
2/18/2014 12:51:18 pm
Gatsby's funeral is directly pointing out how selfish society is. We see various instances regarding Gatsby when nobody cared or acted concerned about him. One of which took place at his party; once the music started and everyone found someone to dance with, Gatsby just stood on the outskirts alone. In fact, people even talked negatively about him. You can also argue that Gatsby didn't put himself out there because he had different motives, like hosting the parties so he could meet Daisy. However any way you see it, society is more concerned about itself and what is all to gain. It would have been nothing for someone to have at least thanked Gatsby for investing in such extravagant and expensive parties (I would have). But no, society continues in its own selfish ways. The idea of a selfish society comes into perspective again as we seen it in earlier chapters. Gatsby's funeral was practically empty except for Nick and a few others; Nick truly knew Gatsby and honored him for the man he was. This is why we like Nick so much; actually we liked him from the beginning.
Emylee F. Period 5
2/19/2014 11:17:49 am
I agree with just about everything you have stated. Gatsby is used, as a character, to show the shift in the society and the shift of it's people. However, I don't believe that because of Gatsby, this is why we like Nick. At the funeral and where Nick is one of the few people to be there, it does enhance his character. Yet, there is more to Nick than just that. Also, how can we truly like Nick? I mean, personally, I'm not too fond of him. I think he is a good person and holds good intentions, but I don't think he acts correctly.. or acts at all in that manner in certain situations.
James J P:2
2/18/2014 01:01:41 pm
I think that through Gatsby's funeral, Fitzgerald means to point out the corruptness and superficiality of the 20s. The fact that barely anyone came to funeral is sad, but it becomes even worse when Owl-eyes reminds us that, "...they used to go there by the hundreds" (Fitzgerald 175), but none came to his funeral. Through his funeral and the reaction of his "friends" to his death, Fitzgerald shows how most of the people viewed Gatsby: as a tool. And when the tool is finished, you throw it away, forget about it, and move on, which is exactly what Gatsby's "friends" did to him. This attitude is seen especially in Meyer Wolfsheim when he says, "Let us learn to show our friendship for a man when he is alive and not after he's dead" (Fitzgerald 172), in which he is talking about Gatsby, whom he has no use for, and no longer cares about.
Monica E. Period 1
2/19/2014 08:14:08 am
I agree with your view, James. I believe that Fitzgerald is trying to show that a person should be respected when they are alive. However, I believe they should be respected after they are dead as well.
Yousuf A Period 5
2/18/2014 01:05:32 pm
Throughout the book, it is gatsby's goal to win over daisy again and he tries to in various ways. These events lead to gatsby's death and funeral, Attended by "a procession of three cars" (174). Nick tells a story about something he witnessed in West egg that reminds him of gatsby "a stretcher on which lies a drunken woman in a white evening dress. Her hand, which dangles over the side, sparkles cold with jewels. Gravely the men turn in at the house-- the wrong house. But no one knows the woman's name, and no one cares" (176). This basically summarizes what happened to gatsby, how money was all that people loved him for, so when he died, No one truly cared about him, and he was left alone and unknown just like the woman.
Chris Q 1
2/19/2014 10:57:04 am
I agree with the idea that most people only liked him for his money, but Nick actually cares about him.
Zak D Period 2
2/18/2014 01:10:23 pm
With Gatsby's funeral in this chapter, Fitzgerald sends a powerful message when no one shows up to his funeral. The people just used Gatsby for his money and parties. Only a handful of people truly cares about him and that is seen through the absence of people at his funeral. The selfish nature of the human beings in this novel is yet again expressed by Fitzgerald. Gatsby's funeral sends an important message about human nature and how selfish and disrespectful people can be.
Renick W. 1
2/18/2014 01:12:00 pm
I think he is commenting in the artificiality of the society. Hordes of people made it out to Long Island over the summer weekends when Gatsby was throwing an elaborate party, but not a single one makes it out to attend his funeral. All they wanted was to have a good time and care about themselves. Gatsby on the other hand, tried to please everyone, by sending a new dress to the one woman in yellow, or by not turning away a single person for his parties. He tried to genuinely care about the people that he met, but they showed no care in return.
Brandon K 4
2/19/2014 01:54:53 pm
I definitely agree on your points made here. Although the one thing that is kind of misleading is all of the positives mentioned about Gatsby in this comment. He wasn't all good. The ways of acquiring his massive wealth and the reason behind at their core were for things that are frowned upon .By which I mean breaking up a marriage (even if it isn't a great one) as well as going through illegal methods and processes for the acquisition of wealth.
Jesse S. Period 4
2/18/2014 01:18:15 pm
Even though most of Gatsbys aquitances used him in order to reach fame and increase thier social status, he essentially used them as well in order to capture the heart of his one true love, Daisy. Karma, just how he used everyone, and everyone used him. "Friends are like shadows, always there during your brightest moments, but never there during you darkest hours." The qoute itself does not derive from the novel, although I feel that is one that best demonstrates the revelation between a majority Gatsbys so called "friends". Only a small select few were able to understand what truly went on in Gatsbys life, and I believe the reason not many attended, was simply just becuase they didn't know him well enough. Any infomation they did have on Gatsby were just mere rumors. "...they used to go there by the hundreds" .Gatsy preferred having "a couple quarters that hundreds of pennies anyday." Again not from the novel but I do see it as significant to the understanding of Gatsbys funeral.
DM
2/18/2014 01:19:28 pm
Fitzgerald uses Gatsby's funeral as a representation of the superficiality of society. As all of these people from New York and Long Island traveled as fast as the could to attend his parties as his "friends," none showed up for his funeral for now that Gatsby is dead he is of no use to them. Wolfsheim comments on being friends while living but in death to let it be to show the attitude these party goers are taking towards his death.
Bri D.
2/19/2014 12:31:27 pm
I totally agree with you here. People travelled far and fast for his 3 day parties, but these people were just using him. None of these people actually wanted to get to know him and that's why no one showed up for his funeral.
Gilton C P4
2/18/2014 01:34:19 pm
James Gatz was overall a liar, criminally minded and delusional young man who believed that with all his newly acquired wealth he could compensate for his background and character he despised so much he rid himself of it early on beginning with changing his name to Jay Gatsby. His death was unexpected but nonetheless after his death his meaning and purpose came to light. Although he threw parties for all to attend his lack of contribution to society and the community showed itself with the lack of funeral attendance. There are simple life lessons to be learned here like: “money can’t buy happiness”, and “All that is glitter is not gold”, but I think Fitzgerald has something more worthwhile. It was not his affairs of his own life that caused his death, but when some hick wannabe-billionaire wishes to stir problems in the high class of people like Tom Buchanan his death is met. I think Fitzgerald is trying to say that no matter how hard you attempt to break the glass ceiling to will only get a face full of shards and a new roof. The glass ceiling representing Daisy’s way of life, shards represent Gatsby’s death, and the new roof is the Buchanan’s relocation after the “Holocaust was finished.” The bottom line for the last chapter equates that one’s importance to the world is dictated by how many of his friends show up to his funeral not his parties.
DM 4
2/19/2014 11:55:01 am
Gilton, I would agree with the fact that there wasn't much Gatsby did to contribute to society, however it seems as though you're making him out to be a bad human being. Gatsby may have tried to hide who he was but he didn't turn his back completely on his past. As his dad explains that jay constantly sent money back to his home because it was were he belonged, amongst the poor. In the end that's why Daisy couldn't love him because of how poor he used to be.
Kevin H p4
2/19/2014 12:35:15 pm
I disagree with you Dan, I think that Gatsby is a bad human being. In order to steal a man's wife, he began bootlegging and associating himself with organized crime. That does not sound like a good person to me. Gilton, I agree with what you are saying about how Fitzgerald is trying to show that you cannot become something that you're not, which is what Gatsby did. He literally became a different person, from James Gatz to Jay Gatsby, in order to win over Daisy. The lesson is demonstrated in the fact that things didn't work out so well for Gatsby. And also, as far as Dan's last statement about Daisy, I disagree. Daisy did love Gatsby, when he was poor too! She loved him before he went away for war when he was broke. I think the reason that Daisy couldn't be with Gatsby at the end is because she was tied up in her own life that she had created without Gatsby, even though she did not like the life, she was still obligated to it. Also, on a more literal note, she couldn't be with Gatsby because he died.
Trevor K 4
2/18/2014 01:44:25 pm
I think what Fitzgerald was trying to say about Gatsby's funeral is that people were selfish and took advantage over an unselfish Gatsby. I think that this is what Nick loved so much about Gatsby is that he did deeds without expecting anything in return (hosting parties, paying for new dress, paying for dad's house etc.).The fact that only Nick and Gatsby's dad were there, along with servants, symbolizes a loss of hope. The rain goes along with the loss of hope in society. "Three cars reached the cemetery and stopped in a thick drizzle beside the gate" (174). In previous chapters the rain disappearing showed a hope for humanity, but the rain over Gatsby's funeral shows that this hope was a fallacy. It portrays that humans would rather go about their business than pay tribute to a selfless man. This is evident as a man at Gatsby's party says, "what I called up about was a pair of shoes I left there. I wonder if it'd be too much trouble to have the butler send them on" (169). Fitzgerald is essentially predicting the Great Depression because he shows that restoring morals and values into society is a lost cause.
Chris B
2/19/2014 12:33:58 pm
I totally agree with your summarization of the chapter as a loss of hope. When it started to rain on the 3 funeral attendees I felt a sense of hopelessness just reading the book much less if I were to experience it in real life.
Casey D 4
2/19/2014 02:26:50 pm
Although I agree with you to the extent that Gatsby was for the most part unselfish and that his death signified the death of morals in society, I think that he used the people at his parties for his own selfish devices. He used the people at his parties to gain the trust and favor of Daisy by showing her his wealth and social position in society. When Gatsby finds out that Daisy does not like one of his parties, he ends them immediately, not allowing anyone to enter his house, "Only gradually did I become aware that the automobiles which turned expectantly into his drive stay for just a minute then drove away sulkily" (119). So to a certain extent he played the people at his parties just as much as them played him.
Alyssa Z. period 4
2/18/2014 01:54:13 pm
Just like all the parties tht Gatsby has hosted, people have not cared to put in the effort to personally know Gatsby. Even Nick, whom actually wanted to meet his host at the parties, did not know who Gatsby was when he first met him. I think the people at his funeral are participating just as they did in his parties, they came as an influence of rumor and talk of a big event and did not really come for Gatsby the person. I think this relates to the real world due to how people now a days are becoming more careless when it comes to personal interaction. And for a man like Gatsby, who gave to others with no expectations of anything in return, the people at his funeral saw him more as an event rather than a lost person.
Brandon K 4
2/18/2014 04:16:06 pm
I believe the "friends" that Gatsby had only used him for the parties and the money, and did not really care about who he was as a person. It really shows how money, greed, and some obsession can ruin a life and destroy happiness. This idea starts very early in the novel when people spread rumors about Gatsby and talk about him with no backing. These ranged from Gatsby killing a man to even a girl talking about him when he bought her a ridiculously expensive dress. All of these crazy and random guests show up to his parties for the food, money, and luxury instead of for the nature of Gatsby’s character or anything else of significance from him. In the end, that falsity of all of the people in Gatsby’s party’s attendance show in the very few people who show up to his funeral and last moments of remembrance. They did not go to the funeral because they believed that whatever was going on in their lives was more important, and/or it didn’t fit the living life in the moment mentality. Showing this in the end of the novel shows two ideas. The first being that society can be really false and put up facades that end up meaning nothing in the end. The other is that money and greed won’t buy happiness or love that is wanted in a persons life.
Elainie K 1
2/18/2014 07:56:55 pm
Fitzgerald uses Gatsby's funeral to show the indecency of society. Throughout the novel, Gatsby's house is filled with so many people, many whom don't even know who the owner of the house is. They go to his parties and spread rumors about Gatsby even thought hey have never even seen his face. When it comes time for his funeral, not a single one of his party attendees knows or cares about his death. Also his servants and other close friends like Meyer Wolfsheim, Jordan Baker, Klipspringer, or even Daisy-whom he spent his whole life trying to please- did not care enough to pay their respects. Finally, the people which Gataby cared the least for, his family, are the only ones who come to the funeral(besides owl-eyes briefly). His father expresses how proud he is of his son and showed his deep love for him. Gatsby visited his family every once in a while, but they loved him more than those using him for his abundance of wealth.
Haley M period 4
2/19/2014 07:53:26 am
I agree with the points you make about Gatsby's funeral. I specifically like the point you made about his family because even though he didn't see them that often and probably didn't give them money, they still truly loved him with all their heart. True love can not be bought by money. All the other people that came to his party's were just there for themselves they didn't care about Gatsby at all. No one appreciated his kindness or hospitality.
Jen M. P1
2/19/2014 04:27:25 am
Gatsby's funeral serves to amplify the lack of appreciation found within his party guests from ealier in the book. In the second party we witness, we get a taste of just how selfish and inconsiderate these people can be when they speak poorly of Gatsby while enjoying "his cocktails and his flowers" (Fitzgerald 61). This man offers them so much witbout question, and they repay him by avoiding his funeral and asking even more of him, in the case of Klipspringer and his tennis shoes. No one, save Nick, Mr. Gatz and possibly Owl Eyes, cares about him, only about what he can offer them. This is reflected by his empty and pathetic funeral, to which "nobody came" (Fitzgerald 174).
James J P2
2/19/2014 11:47:01 am
I agree with you, Jen, on everything! In the beginning of the novel we see that Gatsby's guests do not care about him, because they gossip about him and don't even take the time to find and thank him at his parties. Through his funeral we see that they neither care about nor respect him. It seems like the opposite of when a celebrity dies; for several thousand people (if allowed) come to their funeral, because they both care about them and respect what they did. However, in Gatsby's case it was revealed that nobody cared about or even respected him (except for a small few). With these details in mind, I feel that Owl Eyes was perfectly correct in calling Gatsby a " poor son-of-a-bitch" (Fitzgerald 175).
Melissa S. (Period 2)
2/19/2014 06:29:06 am
Gatsby seemed to be a very popular man. His parties gathered a lot of attention, and certainly had huge crowds of people attending. The fact that only three people appeared at his funeral was fascinating. It showed that the people who came weren't actually his friends, but that they just came to drink and talk and gossip. They used Gatsby to get the minimal material things that they wanted. Only a few people actually cared about Gatsby. This also showed how lonely he really was, even though he was always surrounded by people.
Alexis B. Period 1
2/19/2014 08:10:24 am
Gatsby's funeral proves to be a very significant part of the story, as it shows the true personalities of those who were around him. Guest who seemed to show up at his house every time he had a party did not care about Gatsby at all, instead they cared more about his money and the luxury he proved to have. Nick talks about an incident that occurred with a woman that reminded him of Gatsby. He said, "A stretcher on which lies a drunken woman in a white evening dress. Her hand, which dangles over the side, sparkles cold with jewels. Gravely the men turn in at the house-- the wrong house. But no one knows the woman's name, and no one cares" (172). Nick referenced this to Gatsby because he was saying that no one truly cared about him, just his lifestyle they adored. Once he was gone, he faded out of existence.
Hannah B P1
2/19/2014 08:44:16 am
From the funeral scene, the audience comes to the realization that the people who live in the East and West Eggs never really cared about Gatsby or his existence. No one ever bothered to pay attention to the host of all the dazzling parties thrown; people just showed up to drink the night away around people who liked having a good time. Gatsby’s funeral proves that people never respected him for the man he was because no one ever attended. Even when it was extended, Nick saw "[the funeral] wasn't any use. Nobody came" (Fitzgerald 174), People only remember him based off of the rumors spread around. Even people who maintained a real relationship with Jay had the nerve to skip it, at this point Nick is frustrated. Only the few people (jay’s father, Nick, and Owl-eyes) who did attend knew and respected the true meaning to Gatsby’s life.
Alayna D. Period 1
2/19/2014 10:07:54 am
I think that Fitzgerald is trying to comment on how selfish people are with Gatsby's funeral. Gatsby is a man who cares and gives a lot to everyone. He is always good-hearted, and kind. All he wanted was to get Daisy's love. Yet people used him to their advantage, abusing the money he had and spreading rumors about him. None of these people were actually friends with Gatsby they just used him and he let them that way he could keep up his reputation. After everything he welcomed them to with open arms, only Mr. Gatz, Nick, Owl-eyes and some servants showed up to his funeral. This goes to show how many people had really cared for him; "[Nick] began to look involuntarily out the windows for other cars. So did Gatsby's father...[Nick] asked [the minister] to wait for half an hour. But it wasn't any use. Nobody came" (Fitzgerald 174). All his so called friends seemed so mesmerized by him, yet none of them showed up to his funeral which shows how true of friends they really were. I think Fitzgerald was commenting on society to show how self focused people are becoming.
Kelly B P1
2/19/2014 11:47:05 am
I believe that the message Fitzgerald is trying to send is that society is selfish. Throughout the novel we are told about the many weekend parties held at Gatsby's house. Such parties were so big that they lasted entire weekends with tons of people continuously coming and going. These parties lead the reader to believe that Gatsby has numerous friends. However when Gatsby's funeral arrives, only three people attended. Even after an attempt to prolong the funeral no one came: "But it wasn't any use. Nobody came" (Fitzgerald 174). All of the hundreds of people that showed up for his parties every weekend didn't show up for his funeral. The difference is that at the parties Gatsby was giving them alcohol, music, his house, and a good time. The people were getting stuff out of his parties that benefitted them whether they knew Gatsby or not. Whereas at his funeral, the people were not being given anything. Therefore they did not have any desire to go. They only cared to affiliate themselves with Gatsby when he was offering them something. Other than that they didn't even care that he died. Showing just how selfish people are in society.
Andrea B period 2
2/19/2014 12:02:50 pm
I think a large part of what is being told in the final parts of the book is the incredibly high level of self interest people have. They go and party at this mans house, uninvited, and eat his good , drink all of his alcohol, stay there for days, and don't even bother to meet the man. His funeral had an incredibly low turn out, which shows how much people couldn't even take the time out of their day to pay tier respects for a man that they completely took advantage of. It just goes to show that regardless of where you live, the self interest level of people is always going to be high, regardless of the situation.
Andrea C. 2
2/19/2014 12:26:58 pm
I agree with you because people do have a high level of interest in themselves. They take advantage of Gatsby and his parties and resources, but don't actually care for Gatsby as a man. People do have the same motives in who they choose to hang out with, which is basically who makes them look better as a person.
Mary K
2/19/2014 01:11:56 pm
I agree with you both. The people don't care for Gatsby, all they care about is what he has to offer. No one really cares for Jay as a person. His money does all the talking. If it wasn't for the fortune Gatsby has, no one would be by his side, literally.
Jelani P 2
2/19/2014 12:07:50 pm
Thousands of people flowed in and out of Gatsby’s house during his many parties but few actually got to know him, and even fewer showed up at his funeral. The party-goers, at various times throughout the novel, display how shallow they are. Many of them seem to have no remorse or regard for any human life except their own and they are made up of hypocrisies. Although the “roaring twenties” is seen as a time of fun and joy, the pompous sounding and selfishness only served as a gate into the Great Depression. Although this book was written before, Fitzgerald writes ahead of his time and practically predicts the Depression in ending the book with the quiet, lonely death of Gatsby.
Mark M Period 5
2/20/2014 10:51:02 pm
I would have to agree with you here. I find Gatsby to represent the American Dream and his entire life in the book represents the roaring twenties. But just like in real life, that dream died during the great depression.
Andrea C. 2
2/19/2014 12:25:22 pm
I think throughout the novel, Fitzgerald makes it a point to dramatize the deterioration of people's values in the 20s. Gatsby's parties were these lavish events that people went to to forget about their problems and responsibilities. At Gatsby's funeral, almost no one showed up, which was ironic because people would come to his parties by the hundreds. Fitzgerald is saying that people don't care about other people or their responsibilities, because by the time the party's over, there'd be another one the next night.
Bakari C. 2
2/19/2014 01:00:36 pm
Often times during a funeral, the person giving the eulogy will make a comment about celebrating the life of the deceased individual rather than celebrating the death. In this case, with Jay Gatsby, it is very interesting to see how the people who would come to his house were in a way celebrating his life. They unintentionally were celebrating his life by taking advantage of what he had to offer. Once Gatsby left the earth, no one showed up to his funeral. It is quite interesting to see that, in a way, the celebration of his life stopped. It is showing that society has a very screwed up view of the events they should partake in. I think that Nick goes through a very hard time accepting the fact that no one appreciate it Gatsby the way that he did. but, the question still remains: would Gatsby want anyone else get his funeral besides Nick and Daisy? Gatsby never cared about anyone who came to his parties seeing as he threw them intentionally hoping that Daisy would one day stumble Inn. So does it really matter that everyone who take advantage of him never came to his funeral seeing as, in a way, he was taking advantage of them?
Justin C Period 2
2/19/2014 01:01:40 pm
I think that Fitzgerald is trying to pronounce how selfish people are. Though out the events leading up to Gatsby's funeral, people were hardly showing up to pay their respects. " The minister glanced several times at his watch, so I took him aside and asked him to wait for half an hour. But it wasn't any use. Nobody came"(174). Nobody showing up to pay their respects to Gatsby, shows how selfish society can be. Everyone went to all his parties and acted like his friends, but as soon as Gatsby passes away, no one seems to care.
Ambreen M (period 1)
2/19/2014 01:07:01 pm
After Gatsby is killed, the only people who bother to attend his Funeral are Nick, Mr.Gatz ( father of Gatsby), and Owl Eyes (TJ Eckleburg). The realization has occurred that no one ever truly cared for Jay Gatsby but only has acknowledgment for his wealth and the parties he threw. "Nobody came” (Fitzgerald 1740).
Anna W. 1st
2/19/2014 01:12:28 pm
The comment that Fitzgerald is mainly trying to make is that Gatsby was this well known, likable, wealthy guy that was always surrounded by groups of people, but never truly had any friends. He also makes the comment of how fake people were. After calling multiple people, Nick could not even find one person that would show up to his funeral, and few of them had no sympathy at all, "one gentleman to whom I telephoned implied that he had got what he deserved," (169). Fitzgerald wants to show how all of these people used Gatsby for his wealth, coming to his parties and being around him only because he was providing free things for them, and because he was so wealthy being associated with him was something great. But after his death, the obvious jealousy tat many of these people had came out. I believe the person that implied Gatsby got what he deserved was someone that barely knew him. Most of the people that "knew" Gatsby never really knew him at all, and after his death I believe Fitzgerald wanted to show that none of them cared to know either.
Stefan C.
2/19/2014 01:14:30 pm
I think the point that Fitzgerald is trying to make with Gatsby's funeral is how shallow people in society can be. By shallow i mean that people that had good connections did not go to Gatsby's funeral because no body had that deep connection with Gatsby except for the people that were there. Even though every one knew him, everyone went to his parties, still nobody cared.
Richard W. Period 5
2/23/2014 01:26:43 pm
Stefan I agree with your comment. Gatsby invited so many people into his home to share in his extravagant parties and lavish lifestyle. Yet none of them had the decency to atleast show up to his funeral. I think that his is a prime example of how artificial the residents of East and West egg really are.
Jake S 4
2/19/2014 01:16:11 pm
The point that Fitzgerald made using Gatsby’s funeral was that no matter how much wealth one has, it can’t buy true friends. Although throughout the book Gatsby claimed that he had hundreds of friends and "they used to go there [Gatsby's House] by the hundreds" (132), these “friends” proved to be extremely artificial when none of them showed up. The people that showed up included Mr. Gatz, his father, Nick, Owl Eyes and some servants. Fitzgerald, by making these the only people that go to his funeral not only pushes that money can’t buy friends, but also that real friends can be found in genuine people. Mr. Gatz Nick and Owl Eyes were some of the very few people that actually cared about Gatsby’s wealth and they’re the ones that showed up to his funeral.
Stefan C. p5
2/20/2014 09:53:11 am
Jake, I totally agree with you in the fact that only a few people going to Gatsby's shows how money can't buy true friends, but i think that there is more than that in the symbolism. I believe it really shows how shallow society is, and the people that make it up are. I think this because of the fact that Gatsby throws these extravagant parties and does great gestures for people and thats how he gets paid in return.
Kevin T P1
2/20/2014 06:36:40 am
I believe that the funeral scene is Fitzgerald's comment on society. No one went to his funeral. Even though, he threw massive parties, and people in the thousands would attend. No one went to his funeral, but Owl eyes, his father, and Nick. Fitzgerald’s view is that people are self-centered, and only see reason to act only when they themselves get something out of it. You can see this, the people who went to Gatsby’s parties, never really cared about him. They would make lies like: he was a German spy or that he had killed a man. None of these people knew a thing about, besides the fact that he threw such extravagant parties, and only cared about when the next would be.
Imani B. 5 -out sick
2/20/2014 07:53:41 am
I think the comment that Fitzgerald is trying to make is that people were just using Gatsby for his money and parties. Most people didn't even know who he was but were quick to attend his parties and take up his space in his own house. Even the girl that he thought loved him, and who he was willing to die for, didn't attend his funeral. No one really cared about him truthfully except his dad, Owl Eyes, and Nick.
TJ A.
2/20/2014 08:00:42 am
I think one comment Fitzgerald is making with Gatsby's funeral is how the American dream has died. In the last pages, Nick says a goodbye to "the last and greatest of all human dreams" (Fitzgerald 189). This farewell to Gatsby and the Eggs is at the same time to the reader the death of the American dream Gatsby had. Not only that, it shows that when Gatsby was alive,his undoing became the fact that, "his dreamed must have seemed so close... he did not know that it was already behind him."(Fitzgerald 189), reavealing that it is our blind chasing of the American dream that kills it. Because we fail to realize what the true American dream is.
Richard W. Period 5
2/23/2014 01:21:35 pm
With Gatsby's funeral, I think that the comment that Fitzgerald is trying to make is that money does not buy friendship or happiness. Althought Gatsby had met his goals of becoming wealthy and successful, he still remained unhappy. The one thing that he really wanted, which was Daisy, was not atainable by simply having a lavish lifestyle. Along with his large and extravagant parties where hundreds of his so called "friends" would come to share with him. Yet not even one of made the effort nor felt that it was necesssary to attend Gatsby's funeral. Friendship and happiness remained almost non-existant in Gatsby's life.
Mahia P - Per. 1
2/24/2014 10:28:59 am
I think that Gatsby's funeral represents the fact that he did so much for other people, but they did not take the time to do anything for him. He hosted so many people at his house, time after time, and no one took the time to get to know him. Fitzgerald states earlier in the book that some people would often come to his house and then leave without having seen him. Gatsby's funeral also shows that time comes and goes, and some people make use of it, and some people do not. People sometimes take advantage of others who have more than they do, This is the message that Fitzgerald is sending in this chapter.
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