Who Was Present at Gatsby’s Funeral- An Insight into the Significance of Their Attendance
Who attended Gatsby’s funeral, how they arrived, and why their presence was significant? The funeral of Jay Gatsby, a central character in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel “The Great Gatsby,” was a pivotal event that revealed much about the characters and the themes of the story. This article delves into the details of the funeral attendees, their methods of arrival, and the profound implications of their presence.
The attendees of Gatsby’s funeral were a mixture of the elite, the wealthy, and the opportunistic. The most prominent figures in attendance were Nick Carraway, Gatsby’s neighbor and narrator, Tom and Daisy Buchanan, Gatsby’s former lover and her husband, Jordan Baker, a professional golfer with ties to the upper class, and Myrtle Wilson, Tom’s mistress. Additionally, there were several of Gatsby’s friends, including Dan Cody, his mentor, and his butler, Owl Eyes.
The guests arrived at the funeral in various ways, reflecting their social status and personalities. Nick Carraway, who lived next door to Gatsby, walked to the funeral home, a testament to his modest background and his respect for Gatsby. Tom and Daisy Buchanan arrived in their car, a symbol of their wealth and social standing. Jordan Baker, known for her impulsive nature, arrived on horseback, a quirky detail that highlighted her unconventional character. Myrtle Wilson, driven by her desperation, arrived in a taxi, further emphasizing her struggle for social acceptance.
The significance of these attendees and their methods of arrival lies in the themes of social class, wealth, and the American Dream. Gatsby’s funeral attendees represented the diverse social strata of the 1920s, a time when the United States was experiencing a shift in social and economic structures. The presence of the Buchanans, who were from old money, contrasted with Gatsby, who was born into poverty but aspired to join the upper class. This juxtaposition underscored the novel’s critique of the American Dream, which promised social mobility but often resulted in disillusionment.
Moreover, the attendees’ methods of arrival highlighted their priorities and values. Nick Carraway’s decision to walk to the funeral demonstrated his commitment to Gatsby’s memory and his rejection of the materialistic world that Gatsby had tried to enter. Tom and Daisy Buchanan’s arrival in their car reflected their detachment from the grief and the significance of the event. Jordan Baker’s unconventional approach to the funeral was a nod to her independent spirit, while Myrtle Wilson’s reliance on taxis emphasized her struggle to gain recognition and respect.
In conclusion, the attendees of Gatsby’s funeral, their methods of arrival, and the reasons for their presence were all significant in understanding the themes of “The Great Gatsby.” This event served as a microcosm of the 1920s American society, revealing the complexities of social class, wealth, and the elusive nature of the American Dream. The funeral attendees’ varied reactions and approaches to the event provided insight into their characters and the novel’s overarching message.
