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The Great Gatsby Chapter 9 Summary & Practical Study Guide

Chapter 9 of The Great Gatsby wraps up the novel’s tragic arcs, resolving loose ends and driving home its core themes of wealth, longing, and the emptiness of the American Dream. This summary breaks down key events clearly, while the study tools help you prepare for assessments and class conversations. For even faster comprehension, try the Readi.AI iOS app.

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Key Chapter 9 Events: A Quick Summary

The chapter opens weeks after Gatsby’s death, with Nick attempting to organize a respectful funeral. He struggles to rally Gatsby’s former party guests, business associates, and even distant family members, most of whom refuse to acknowledge their connection to him. Only a small handful of people attend the service, highlighting the superficiality of Gatsby’s social circle. Nick later confronts Tom, who admits his role in leading George Wilson to Gatsby. By the end of the chapter, Nick returns to his Midwest home, disillusioned by the moral decay of East Coast elite life.

Core Themes Highlighted in Chapter 9

This chapter amplifies the novel’s central themes. The neglected funeral underscores the emptiness of wealth and social status—Gatsby’s money drew crowds, but none cared for him as a person. The contrast between East and West is finalized, as Nick’s return to the Midwest represents a rejection of the East’s shallow, corrupt values. Finally, the unfulfilled promise of the American Dream is cemented, as Gatsby’s lifelong longing ends in isolation and death.

Study Structure for Quizzes & Class Discussions

For quizzes, focus on memorizing who attends Gatsby’s funeral, Tom’s confession, and Nick’s final decision to leave the East. For class discussions, prepare three talking points: 1) Why do Gatsby’s former associates abandon him? 2) How does Nick’s return to the Midwest tie to the novel’s opening? 3) What does the chapter reveal about the cost of chasing an unattainable dream? Jot down 1-2 specific, text-based observations for each point to strengthen your arguments.

Essay Tips for Analyzing Chapter 9

If writing an essay about this chapter, pick a narrow, focused thesis. For example, “The small turnout at Gatsby’s funeral exposes the hollow nature of upper-class relationships in the 1920s.” Use evidence from the chapter, such as the lack of RSVP responses or a character’s refusal to attend, to support your claim. Be sure to connect your analysis to the novel’s overarching themes, not just events in Chapter 9, to show full comprehension.

Who attends Gatsby’s funeral in Chapter 9?

Only a small, loyal group attends, including Nick, Gatsby’s father, one of his former party guests, and a few other minor, longstanding associates. Most of Gatsby’s frequent partygoers and business contacts refuse to come.

What does Tom admit to Nick in Chapter 9?

Tom confesses that he told George Wilson that Gatsby was the owner of the car that killed Myrtle, effectively directing Wilson to Gatsby’s home and leading to Gatsby’s death.

Why does Nick return to the Midwest in Chapter 9?

Nick is disillusioned by the moral corruption and superficiality of the East Coast elite. He returns to the Midwest to escape the emptiness he witnessed, seeking the more grounded, honest values he associates with his hometown.

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