Chapter 8, pages 98-108
When chapter eight begins, Nick visits Gatsby and suggests that he move on from Daisy, to which Gatsby disagrees. Nick then hears the detailed story of Gatsby and Daisy falling in love, and her leaving him for another man (Tom). Gatsby's and his gardener discuss the draining of the pool water, and Gatsby tells him to wait so he can swim later that day. At work, Nick feels distracted and distant from his work, and rejects Jordan's offer for a date. Wilson arrives at Gatsby's house and kills him, and then commits suicide.
Michaelis: “The young Greek, Michaelis, who ran the coffee joint beside the ash heaps, was the principal witness at the inquest" (136).
Michaelis, a brief and small character, is strong and honest, providing advice that does not involve violence or revenge, but self examination and spiritual growth. He also has the ability to separate church and state, as seen in his advice to avoid talking about God and Myrtle together.
Michaelis provides as a reflection of Nick, and binary opposition to nearly all of the other characters. Michaelis is an honest and likable guy, who tries hard to help George move on from his depression and rage filled obsession with seeking revenge on Gatsby, although not proven successful. His turning away from mixing religion with his personal life exemplify his independent and free thinking mind, which only Nick and Gatsby (somewhat) bear, and what Daisy and Tom lack.
“God sees everything" (160).
Wilson's mentioning of God knowing every person's actions imply his belief in karma, and even the Golden Rule from the bible. Throughout the novel, characters lied, cheated, and stolen, as seen through Daisy's secret past, Tom' affair, and Meyer's gambling, but failed to think about potential consequences. The passage also foreshadows the climax of the novel, Gatsby's death.
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