Chapter 9 Summary
In chapter 9, Nick recounts the events that followed in the wake of Gatsby’s death, two years later. He remembers the constant stream of reporters and police in and out of Gatsby’s doors, and he tells the reader that Tom and Myrtle’s secret affair was never discovered. From there, Nick, feeling responsible for Gatsby, attempts to arrange his funeral. He is unable to reach the Buchanan’s, and Wolfsheim refuses to attend the funeral both through a letter and in person. Meanwhile, Gatsby’s father, Henry Gatz arrives and he fondly remembers his son’s remarkable resolve and determination. On the day of Gatsby’s funeral, the only people in attendance are Gatsby’s father, Nick, some servants, and Owl-Eyes. This is in stark contrast to the hundreds of people who used to attend his elaborate parties. As Nick’s disgust, repulsion, and disillusionment of the East and its people reaches its peak, he decides to move back to the Midwest, ending his relationship with Jordan. Nick also runs into Tom Buchanan, who admits he told a hysterical Wilson it was Gatsby who ran over Myrtle--subsequently, the reader learns Tom is still unaware Daisy was the one driving the car. Nick realizes that Tom and Daisy will never see the error of their ways, since they are careless, reckless people who can destroy lives and then retreat back into their money without suffering the consequences of their actions. The chapter ends on Nick’s last day in West Egg, sprawled on Gatsby’s beach as he thinks of Gatsby's unwavering belief in the green light and compares the pursuit of a new future with boats beating against the current of the past.