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chapter eight
Later, in Gatsby's mansion, Nick suggests that Gatsby go off for a bit until things settle down. Gatsby, still clutching to his dream of Daisy, proceeds to tell Nick of his past. Gatsby can feel his dream slipping away from him, and seems to be talking of his past in an effort to keep the dream alive. Only through his hold on his past can he hold on to the present. He tells Nick of his time with Daisy and his experinces in the war. When he went off to war, Daisy had promised to wait for him. While he was away, Daisy met and married Tom.
Nick says goodbye, for what will unknowingly be the last time. As he leaves, he tells Gatsby that he is better than all the others. Nick tells us how happy he felt to have told this to Gatsby. Yes, Nick disapproved of Gatsby's actions, but he envied and respected him for his dream.
Nick takes the train into work. At work, he cannot get his mind off Gatsby. Jordan calls, wanting to meet Nick. He refuses. He tries to reach Gatsby by telephone, but is unable to. Nick leaves work early and takes the train home.
Nick now informs us of what has been going on with George Wilson since his wifes death. George had become convinced that the driver of the car that killed Myrtle must have been her lover. He has decided to take matters into his own hands, and kill her lover. The eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg seem to emphasize for George the fact that God has turned his back on the people. God is not looking out for Myrtle, so he will. He finds Tom, who informs him that it was Gatsby's car.
When Nick arrives in West Egg, Gatsby is dead. His body is floating in the pool. George had shot and killed Gatsby, and then himself.