According
to , Ewingis a distant relative of a famous composer, althoughis dubious about the authenticity
of this claim. Klipspringer essentially shacks up in Gatsbys mansion on a quasi-permanent basis,
moving into a guest room and serving as Gatsbys personal pianist on occasion, such as Gatsbys
reunion within Chapter Five.
However, I think the most important detail about
Klipspringer comes near the end of the novel, as Nick attempts to notify people of Gatsbys
funeral arrangements. Nick unexpectedly receives a phone call from Klipspringer to Gatsbys home
during this time; at first, Nick is delighted that someone has reached out to ask about the
funeral. However, it becomes clear to Nick over the course of their brief conversation that
Klipspringer does not care about Gatsby nor plans to attend the mans funeral.
When Nick presses Klipspringer to say hell be there, the pianist remarks that he is
obligated to attend a picnic of sorts with the people with whom he now resides and that the only
reason he called was to see if someone could send over his tennis shoes.
Hanging up before Klipspringer has the chance to finish saying the address, Nick
realizes that Klipspringer and others like him only took advantage of Gatsbys kindness and
hospitality. People who attended his parties, and even one for whom Gatsby had provided lodging,
were nothing but leeches enjoying the free booze and fun. This realization sparks Nicks epiphany
about the soulless character of the East, as it soon becomes haunted for
him.
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