Journal Entry #8: Questions to consider...



Do you like the ending of the book?:
The ending of "The Great Gatsby" is sad and tragic, and whether or not one likes it depends on the perspective from which the novel is read. Personally, I find the ending fitting for the novel's themes, though not necessarily "enjoyable." The conclusion offers a sense of closure to the narrative, while reinforcing the novel’s central themes of disillusionment, the elusiveness of the American Dream, and the consequences of unrequited love.

Jay Gatsby's death is both shocking and inevitable. Throughout the novel, he is portrayed as a dreamer, someone obsessed with an idealized version of the past, especially his relationship with Daisy Buchanan. His inability to move beyond this dream ultimately leads to his downfall. Gatsby's tragic fate serves as a commentary on the unattainable nature of the American Dream and the destructive power of obsession. His death, a result of a mistaken identity, underscores the theme of the hollowness of the world he inhabits; a world that ultimately betrays him despite his wealth and success. The fact that Gatsby's funeral is sparsely attended further emphasizes the emptiness of his life and the fleeting nature of the connections he sought to create.

Nick Carraway, the narrator, plays a key role in the novel's resolution. After Gatsby's death, he becomes disillusioned with the superficiality of the East Egg social scene. His decision to return to the Midwest reflects his desire to escape the moral decay and corruption that he witnessed, both in Gatsby's world and in his personal relationships with Daisy and Tom Buchanan. The ending also suggests that the American Dream, with its promise of reinvention and success, is ultimately a false promise, doomed by the societal and moral constraints of the time.

Why or why not?:

While the ending is tragic, I think it is an essential part of the narrative. It provides a powerful commentary on the American Dream and the pursuit of happiness. Gatsby's idealism, in the face of such overwhelming cynicism, becomes both a symbol of hope and a cautionary tale. The tragic death of the protagonist encapsulates the fleeting nature of dreams, love, and hope in a world driven by materialism and superficiality. While the ending may feel sorrowful, it resonates deeply with readers because it challenges the very notion of the American Dream.

Do you think there is more to tell?:

As for whether there is more to tell, I believe the novel leaves little room for continuation. The central conflicts and themes have been explored thoroughly, and the resolution, while tragic, feels definitive. There is a sense of finality to the story. The narrative's conclusion, particularly with Nick's departure, closes the chapter on a dream that was never meant to be. The novel’s ending is a deliberate commentary on the futility of the pursuit of perfection, leaving little need for a continuation.

Sources:
The Book - https://www.planetebook.com/free-ebooks/the-great-gatsby.pdf
Images: Google (all are screenshots from the film)

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