The individual who unexpectedly showed up at Jay Gatsby's funeral was Owl-Eyes.
The Scarcity of Mourners
Despite the lavish and frequent parties Jay Gatsby hosted, his funeral was a remarkably desolate affair, highlighting the superficiality of his social circle. Many who had previously enjoyed his extravagant hospitality failed to appear, demonstrating the fair-weather nature of his "friends." The contrast between his vibrant parties and his sparsely attended funeral paints a stark picture of isolation.
Key figures conspicuously absent included:
- Daisy Buchanan: Despite her romantic connection with Gatsby, she disappeared and did not attend the funeral.
- Meyer Wolfsheim: Gatsby's business associate and one of his few close acquaintances, Wolfsheim explicitly refused to come.
- Ewing Klipspringer: Known as "the boarder" for his prolonged stay at Gatsby's mansion, he also refused to attend, even when contacted.
Who Attended Gatsby's Funeral?
The somber ceremony was attended by an exceptionally small group, a stark contrast to the lively gatherings Gatsby once hosted. This handful of attendees underscored the tragic solitude of Gatsby's life.
| Attendee | Relationship to Gatsby | Notes on Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Owl-Eyes | Acquaintance (party guest) | The most unexpected guest, a previous partygoer who showed genuine reflection. |
| Nick Carraway | Neighbor, close friend | The sole organizer of the funeral and Gatsby's most loyal friend. |
| Henry C. Gatz | Father | Gatsby's distraught and grieving father. |
| A few servants | Employees | Staff from Gatsby's mansion, present out of duty or respect. |
| A postman | Unspecified | His presence was more incidental or out of vague curiosity. |
Why Owl-Eyes' Presence Was Significant
Owl-Eyes, a character first introduced marveling at Gatsby's genuine books in his library, stood out as the sole party guest to attend the funeral. His unexpected appearance underscores a poignant truth about Gatsby's life: while countless individuals flocked to his mansion for entertainment and personal gain, very few held genuine regard for him as a person. Owl-Eyes' presence, though brief and almost unremarked upon by others, suggested a degree of solemn respect or understanding that was notably absent from those Gatsby had pursued or counted as his closest associates. He seemed to possess a deeper, perhaps melancholic, insight into Gatsby's true nature, unlike the superficial revelers who vanished when the music stopped.
