Chapter 8: The Funeral
Gatsby's funeral was a stark contrast to his lavish parties. Only a handful of people attended: Nick, Gatsby's father Henry Gatz, and "Owl Eyes," a man who had attended Gatsby's parties but never actually met him. Notably absent were Daisy, Tom, and the hundreds of guests who had enjoyed Gatsby's hospitality.
Nick was disgusted by the callousness of Gatsby's former friends, who seemed to have no loyalty or gratitude toward the man who had provided them with endless entertainment. The Buchanans had moved away, escaping any responsibility for the tragedy they had helped create.
Gatsby's father revealed that his son had always been ambitious and determined, showing Nick a copy of Gatsby's childhood schedule that demonstrated his disciplined approach to self-improvement. This glimpse into Gatsby's past made his tragic end even more poignant, as it showed how far he had come and how completely his dreams had been destroyed.