What does Nick remember about the day of Gatsby’s death? This question haunts the readers of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.” The day marks a turning point in the novel, a day filled with tragedy and revelations that shatter the illusion of the American Dream. Nick Carraway, the narrator, offers a vivid account of the events that transpired on that fateful evening.
On the day of Gatsby’s death, Nick is visiting his neighbor, Jordan Baker, at her country club. As they sit in the garden, Nick receives a phone call from Tom Buchanan, Gatsby’s neighbor and Jordan’s husband. Tom informs Nick that Gatsby has been found dead on his mansion’s dock. Nick is shocked and decides to go to the scene of the tragedy.
Upon arriving at Gatsby’s mansion, Nick is greeted by the police and a crowd of curious onlookers. He is led to the dock where Gatsby’s body lies. The scene is eerie and haunting, with the wind blowing through the trees and the moon casting a eerie glow on the water. Nick is overwhelmed by the sense of loss and the irony of Gatsby’s death.
As Nick reflects on the events leading up to Gatsby’s death, he remembers the lavish parties Gatsby hosted to attract Daisy Buchanan, his lost love. He recalls the elaborate schemes Gatsby employed to impress Daisy, including the construction of his mansion and the hiring of a lavish staff. Nick is struck by Gatsby’s unwavering determination to win Daisy back, despite the odds and the passage of time.
However, Nick also remembers the dark side of Gatsby’s dream. He reflects on the relationships that Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy destroyed, including the marriage between Tom and Jordan. Nick realizes that Gatsby’s obsession with Daisy led him to embrace a lifestyle of deceit and corruption. He remembers the rumors of Gatsby’s illegal activities, such as bootlegging and distributing drugs, which he had dismissed as mere gossip.
As Nick contemplates Gatsby’s life and death, he comes to understand the true cost of the American Dream. He realizes that Gatsby’s dream was built on a foundation of illusion and deceit, and that his pursuit of Daisy ultimately led to his demise. The day of Gatsby’s death serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of chasing a dream that is unattainable and dangerous.
In conclusion, what Nick remembers about the day of Gatsby’s death is a complex tapestry of love, obsession, and the dark side of the American Dream. The events of that day serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of human desires and the dangers of pursuing a dream at any cost. Through Nick’s reflections, readers are left to ponder the true meaning of the American Dream and the price one must pay to achieve it.
