The Great Gatsby Chapter 9 Summary

Aftermath of Gatsby's Death

• Two years later, Nick reflects on the chaos following Gatsby's death.
• Police, photographers, and reporters swarm Gatsby's mansion.
• A detective describes Wilson as a 'madman,' influencing public perception.
• Media reports are described as grotesque and untrue.
• Catherine, Myrtle's sister, surprisingly defends her sister's reputation.

Nick's Isolation

• Nick feels alone in dealing with Gatsby's affairs.
• He tries to contact Daisy and Tom, who have left without a forwarding address.
• Attempts to reach Gatsby’s acquaintances like Wolfsheim prove futile.

Arrival of Gatsby's Father

• Gatsby's father, Henry C. Gatz, arrives from Minnesota after reading about the death in the newspaper.
• Mr. Gatz shows pride in Gatsby’s achievements and shares personal mementos.

The Funeral

• Few attend Gatsby's funeral—only Nick, Mr. Gatz, Owl Eyes, and some servants.
• The event is sparsely attended, highlighting Gatsby's isolation.
• Owl Eyes expresses disdain at the lack of attendees.

Reflections on the Past

• Nick reflects on his Middle Western roots and the shared Western origins of the novel's main characters.
• He concludes that they were all unsuited to the Eastern lifestyle.

Encounters with Jordan and Tom

• Nick meets Jordan Baker and learns she is engaged.
• A final conversation with Tom reveals his justification for telling Wilson about Gatsby's car.

Final Thoughts and Departure

• Nick decides to leave the East, haunted by memories of Gatsby.
• He reflects on Gatsby's pursuit of the American Dream and its ultimate futility.
• The novel ends with reflections on the nature of dreams and the passage of time.

Narration

• The narrator expresses difficulty in maintaining the American accent and invites listeners to subscribe for more readings.