The Great Gatsby

Chapter 8
ENG4U
Ibrahim, Charles, Rayaan
Chapter Summary
Chapter 8 of the great gatsby is a pivotal moment in the novel, as it marks the turning point in the story
and brings together many of the themes and motifs that have been building throughout the narrative.

The chapter begins with Nick waking up in the middle of the night to find out Gatsby standing outside
of his house, looking out over the water towards the green light on Daisy’s docks. Gatsby tells nick that
he stayed outside Daisy’s house all night, watching over her and making sure she was safe. He also
reveals to nick the truth about his past, explaining that he was born into a poor family in north Dakota
and made his fortune through illegal means. Gatsby confess that everything that he has done in his life is
to win Daisy back, and he ask nick to help with his quest.

The following day, Gatsby and nick travel to the city, where the encounter Tom and Daisy at the hotel
plaza. The tension between Gatsby and Tom reaches to a boiling point, as Tom starts to accuses Gatsby
of being a criminal, and Gatsby tries to prove his worth by flaunting his wealth and social connections.
Daisy, caught between the two men, Ultimately chooses stay with Tom, leaving gatsby heart broken.
Chapter Summary continue
As Gatsby and Nick drive back to the long island, they come across Myrtle Wilson,
who was just been killed in car crash that daisy was driving. The shock of the accident
and the realization of the tragic consequences of their actions force Gatsby to confront
the reality of the his situation and the true nature of his relationship with Daisy. In the
final passage of the chapter Nick reflects on the events of the day and significance of
the green light that has been a symbol of Gatsby hopes and dreams of throughout the
novel.
Jay Gatsby in Chapter 8

Gatsby is the main character

in the book, overall in the
chapter, Gatsby demonstrate
his deep love and
commitment to Daisy, even
in the face of a Tragedy and
danger. His unwavering
devotion to her both
admirable and tragic, as it
ultimately leads to his
downfall.
Nick Carraway In Chapter 8

Nick accompanies Gatsby to the plaza

hotel, where he witness the explosive
argument between Gatsby and tom. He
also notes the growing danger of the
situation and tries to intervene, his
efforts are futile. After confrontation,
nick remains by Gatsby side as he waits
from Daisy

Throughout the chapter, nick provides a

insight into the character's’ motivations
and emotions . He notes the destructive
nature of their desires and the tragedy
that seems inevitable.
Daisy Buchanan in chapter 8
Daisy does not physically
appear but her role is
significant in this chapter .
She tell nick to check on
Gatsby, Emphasizing her
feelings for him despite
being married to Tom. Later,
Nick reflects on how Daisy
recklessness and affairs with
Gatsby led to the tragic
events that transpired.
Tom Buchanan in chapter 8

Tom Buchanan role in

chapter 8 is less prominent,
but he still reveals that
Gatsby was involved in
Myrtle's death to protect
himself. This shows his
selfishness and reinforces his
character as someone who
values his own interests over
others.
George Wilson in Chapter 8
George Wilson, Myrtle’s
husband discovers her affairs
with Tom and believes that
Gatsby was responsible for
her death instead of Daisy.
He becomes Distraught and
plans to seek revenge on
Gatsby. Nick tries to stop
him, but Wilson ultimately
shoots Gatsby and the turns
the gun on himself,
highlighting the destructive
on consequences of infidelity
and the pursuit of the
american dream
Setting
In chapter 8 of “ The Great Gatsby”, the setting is around Gatsby's mansion in West
Egg, New York, as well as in the Valley of Ashes. The chapter takes place in the
aftermath of the climactic events of the previous chapter, including the death of Myrtle
Wilson and the revelation of Gatsby's involvement in her death.
Plot
The chapter begins with Nick Carraway waking up to find that Gatsby has spent the
entire night standing outside, keep watching over Daisy’s house. Gatsby reveals to Nick
that he and Daisy have been love since they first met, and that he wants to win her
back. Later that day, Gatsby invites Daisy, Nick and Jordan to his mansion. Where they
spent the afternoon together. Gatsby becomes increasingly agitated and upset. He
reveals he is afraid of losing Daisy and he can bare the thought of her being with tom.
Meanwhile, a storm is brewing outside, and Nick realizes that Gatsby dreams of
recapturing the past is doom to fail. The chapter ends with Gatsby looking at the green
light on Daisy’s lock, and Nikc reflecting on the futility human and hopes and dreams.
Theme
In chapter 8 of “The Great Gatsby” explores several key Themes. One is the destructive
power of the american dream, as Gatsby’s obsession with winning back Daisy leads
him to make increasingly dangerous choices. Another is the emptiness of the lives of
the wealthy elite, whose pursuit of pleasure and luxury masks deeper feelings of
disillusionment. The chapter also highlights the corrupting influence of materialism
and the theme of social class. Gatsby attempts to assimilate into the wealthy elite
ultimately leading to his downfall. Finally, the chapter portrays the fleeting nature of
time, as Gatsby’s dream of being reunited with Daisy becomes increasingly
unattainable, Overall i think that chapter 8 is a powerful meditation on the corrupting
influence of the american dream, materialism, and the transience of life.
Tone/Atmosphere
Chapter 8 of “The Great Gatsby” is a pivotal moment in the novel,marked by somber and melancholic
tone that reflects the tragic turn of events. The atmosphere is heavy with a sense of impending dooM
Gatsby’s dreams and aspirations come crashing down. The desolate landscape of the Valley of Ashes
creates a sense of hopelessness and despair,emphasizing the isolation and loneliness of the characters.

As the chapter progresses, the tone gets increasingly mournful as Gatsby’s past is revealed through the
eyes of his father. A nostalgia and wistfulness of Gatsby reminiscences are undercut by knowledge that
his dream of being with daisy again is unlikely to be fulfilled. The tension and foreboding build as
Gatsby’s waits outside of Daisy’s house, knowing that tom will be there, and the atmosphere becomes
fraught with anticipation

The final moments of the chapter nick discovers Gatsby lifeless body in the pool and finds out the
Wilson ended killing Gatsby and then turning the gun on himself. The tragedy and despair Gatsby’s
dreams are shattered, and the consequences of his actions come to bear. overall , the tone and
atmosphere of chapter 8 convey the underlying theme of loss regret, and the corruption of the american
dream.
Imagery
The chapter opens up to with viv imagery of the morning accident, as Nick describes
the “grotesque carnival” of debris scattered across the lawn. This sets the tone for the
rest of the chapter and highlights the destructive consequences of the characters
actions.
Personification
The morning after the accident, the “goraning saxophones” and “squeaking
weather-vane’ add a sense of foreboding and unease to the scene, as if even the
inanimate objects are aware of the tragedy that has occured
Foreshadowing
Nick describes the “unfamiliar sky” and the “brooding intensity” of the air, which
suggests that something ominous is about to happen. He also mentions that Gatsby is
“Watching over nothing” and “waiting for something”. Which creates a sense of
anticipation and tension of the reader .

Later in the chapter, the foreshadowing comes to fruition when Gatsby is shot and
killed by George Wilson. The use of foreshadowing in chapter helps build suspense and
creates a sense of inevitability about the tragic events that are about to unfold.
Quotes to examine #1
“He had waited five years and bought a mansion where he dispensed starlight to casual moths afternoon to a stranger’s
garden” chapter 8 The Great Gatsby

The quote reveals a lot about Gatsby's character and motivations. He has created an illusion of wealth and glamour to
win Daisy's attention and sees himself as a kind of magician. However, this illusion is fragile and depends on the
constant influx of people who are drawn to his parties. This quote is important because it highlights the extent of
Gatsby's obsession with Daisy and the lengths he is willing to go to win her back.
Quotes to examine #2
"He must have felt that he had lost the old warm world, paid a high price for living too long with a single dream." (124)

This quote is spoken by Nick Carraway, as he reflects on the life of Gatsby. The quote suggest that Gatsby’s obsessive
pursuit of his dreams of winning back Daisy ultimately cost him everything, including his sense of reality and
connection to the world around him. This quote is important because it highlights the theme of the destructive nature of
the american dream and dangers of allowing a single goal to consume one’s entire existence. It also demonstrates Nick’s
sympathy for Gatsby and his recognition of the tragic nature life.
Predictions
As the chapter 8 ends on sorrowful note with demise of Gatsby wilson, it is expected
that in chapter 9 will delve into the aftermath of these tragic events and bring a
conclusion to the story. It is probable that Nick will assume a pivotal role in trying up
looses ends and shedding light on the events that led to the untimely deaths of Gatsby
and Wilson. He may also reflects upon the lessons he has learned about how wealth
and social status can corrupt individuals, and how the upper class in the novel’s world
cam shallow and pretentious. Furthermore the chapter may explore the legacy of
Gatsby and his aspirations, and what his death signifies for wider American society.
Ultimately, chapter 9 will likely provide a sense of closure to the story while also
raising broder question about the american dream and the pursuit of happiness.
Ture or False Quiz
Ture or False: In chapter 8, Tom confronts Gatsby about his affair with daisy?
True or False: Gatsby reveals to nick that he is in love with Daisy and wants to leave his
lavish lifestyle behind to be with her?
Ture or False: Myrtle Wilson is killed in a car accident caused by Gatsby?
Ture or False: George wilson commits suicide after Myrtle death?
Ture or False: The chapter ends in Nick feeling disillusioned and disgusted with the
behavior of the other characters in the book?
Answers to the True and False Quiz
1. False, In chapter 8 Tom confronts Gatsby about his business and dealings and
accuses him of bootlegger but not his affairs with Daisy.
2. True, In chapter 8 Gatsby confesses to Nick that he is in love with Daisy and
wants to start and in life with her.
3. False, Myrtle was hit by a car driven by Daisy after her argument with Gatsby.
4. Ture, in chapter 8 George wilson shoots and Gatsby and then turns the gun on
himself.
5. True, At the end of the chapter, nick reflects on the emptiness and moral decay of
the characters and the society the inhabit.
Reference page
Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 2004

SparkNotes, https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/gatsby/

“The Great Gatsby.” CliffsNotes,

https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/g/the-great-gatsby/summary-and-analysis/chapte
r-8.