The Great Gatsby, Chapter 3
In Chapter three, we are finally introduced to the subject of our book. Jay Gatsby is no longer a distant figure, however he remains an enigma. In this reading selection we also afforded a peak into the lavish parties at the Gatsby mansion. Class lines between old and new money blur amidst the decadence and luxury of the affair. As host, Gatsby seems strangely distant from the scene. In fact, he seems completely disinterested.
Nick seems most taken with Gatsby’s smile: “one of those rare smiles with the quality of reassurance in it.” We also meet Owl Eyes, a party guest who is impressed that Gatsby’s impressive library collection is real and not a façade of covers. Both of these observations give us clues that Gatsby may possess a depth and sincerity that his rich and famous party guests lack.
Nick is drawn to both Gatsby and Jordan. Why do you think this is? Jordan has proven herself to be self-centered and dishonest, while Gatsby seems unable to express his true nature and personality.
I look forward to reading your thoughts and observations!
-Director of Guest Experience Programming
Glen Ivy Hot Springs
I think that Nick may be drawn to the two of them because he thinks he sees something in them that others are not looking deeply enough to see because of thei other’s superficiality. Both figures have flaws that Nick sees and enjoys them nonethelessless. I think that Gatsby and Jordan see this and like this in Nick. One thing I have difficulty with is Nick’s claim to honesty. I don’t see Nick as honest. He knows dishonest things about the characters he meets yet does not say anything to them perhaps from being concerned about being cast out if he is confrontational. I think I need to read this again for more depth
Oh, how I would love to attend a party at Jay Gatsby’s mansion! The glamour and wealth of the 1920s are effectively shown in this chapter. It’s probably my favorite chapter. The socialites from West Egg and East Egg are in attendance and there is that contrast between the “new money” and the “old money,” those who are just recently making their wealth and those who have inherited it.
I think that Owl Eyes reveals something different about Gatsby. I think that Owl Eyes is trying to express that this lavish lifestyle and possessions that Gatsby has are all an act. This is why he is so surprised that the books are real. He expected them to be fake because he probably thinks that Gatsby himself is fake. It’s all just a show.There has to be something more to Gatsby’s wealth and lifestyle.
It puzzles me that Nick is attracted to Jordan when he knows that she is a dishonest person. She even told him about how she cheated in her first golf tournament.
When Nick meets Gatsby, his first notices Gatsby’s smile. It’s what he says about that smile that gives the clue as to why Nick is taken with Gatsby off the bat. Nick is intrigued with the lavishness of the party and lifestyle that Gatsby seems to have even though he knows little to nothing about him. Nick is just highly impressed with Gatsby.
Great comments, ladies! I too would love to attend one of Gatsby’s parties, but only if I could keep knowledge of what was to come for him and for society as a whole. I think that knowing the changes that were about to happen would help me to see the party in a different way.