One of the most shocking moments in the novel is when Jay Gatsby is fatally shot by George Wilson. This sudden turn of events is unexpected and creates a sense of tragedy and loss for readers. Gatsby, who was portrayed as a mysterious and extravagant character throughout the novel, meets a tragic end, leaving readers stunned by the suddenness and violence of his death. Fitzgerald's vivid depiction of Gatsby's demise is a poignant moment that challenges the notion of the American Dream and exposes the emptiness and fleeting nature of material wealth and social status.