The short answer is that it ends this way because that's
how Fitzgerald wrote it. I wouldn't say it necessarily had to end that way, that the
Author is infallible or that "destiny" played a role in writing the book or that
"destiny" is the inherent theme in the book, because "destiny" is not the theme.
Individual choices are.
The actions, themes and context
do, in fact, lead to an inevitable conclusion; or at least, a 'not so happy' ending.
Although Gatsby was charming and only in search of love, his 'ends justify the means'
eventually backfires; being involved with Wolfsheim, pursuing a married woman, etc. Tom
was equally guilty, if not more so. These characters, sans Nick and Mr. Wilson, are a
yuppy, rich class, living carelessly and in excess, the overindulgence of the 'American
Dream.' For Gatsby, his dream is relatively innocent and naïve but he justified it
living through this careless world to get there. Gatsby died because of all these
colliding careless actions in that 'end(American Dream) justifies the means' world.
This behavior calls to mind an insular reality show contestant who does whatever he/she
can to win because, as they selfishly say 'that's how you play the game, this is a
competition, etc.'
Nick went back to the Midwest to get
away from that world. And it is poetic or fitting since that is where Gatsby came
from. And remember, back then, Gatsby (Gatz) was like Nick; honest, uncorrupted. This
is all about the illusive American Dream, and the justifications people may make in
order to pursue it. The 'move West' also recalls the early explorers, Pilgrims, etc. in
search of a New World (Am. Dream). But, it also recalls manifest destiny, which may be
more fitting for this novel's end.
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