"...and the holocaust was complete."

Pg. 117  - "...and the incarnation was complete."

The "incarnation" of page 117 discusses the theme of a new life being created - upon kissing her (Daisy), Gatsby makes her to "blossom like a flower" for him - He becomes set in this creation of a new purpose/meaning for his life, and therefore for himself creates "a life." 

Page 170's holocaust brings death to this "new life" in a direct parallel. Yet, a holocaust is defined as "a massive slaughter." Physically, in this encounter between Wilson and Gatsby, only 2 lives were lost. Yet this event may have also signified the ending of many more lives...

• Jay Gatsby - Shot, for losing faith in himself
• James Gatz - Shot, for realizing that a dream had failed
• Wilson - Shot, by his own vengeful hand
• Daisy - Fell, from Jay Gatsby's perfect world back into her world of ignorance with her husband

Back to Gatsby's Death

Chris