3.3.2

Analysis of Chapter Three

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Chapter Three - Analysis

In Chapter Three, Nick attends his first party at Gatsby's mansion.

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Analysis of the extravagance

  • Nick describes the extravagance of Gatsby's party ('floating rounds of cocktails' in the garden and 'enthusiastic meetings between women who never knew each other’s names.').
    • The extravagance of these frequent parties at Gatsby’s mansion is an illustration of the excess of 1920s America. As the ‘new money’ class emerged, there seemed to be no shortage of people who were eager to indulge in flamboyant displays of wealth.
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Analysis of Nick's at the party

  • As a member of the ‘old money’ class, and as someone who does not really belong in this environment, Nick seems to be able to see through some of the glamour and instead views the wealthy guests as prey to the salesmen who also attend the party.
  • Nick feels uncomfortable here because he is able to see the emptiness which lies behind the frivolity of the party.
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Analysis of 'vacuous laughs'

  • On the surface of it, the party seems to encapsulate the American Dream. But Nick’s observations, such as the 'vacuous' laughter of the guests, suggests that really this is a shallow dream.
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Analysis of Owl Eyes

  • When Owl Eyes is surprised that Gatsby's books are real, he is highlighting the superficial nature of the Roaring Twenties.
  • To him, the whole house is like a theatre set: although the books are real, nobody reads them and they are really just for show: appearances are everything among the ‘new money’ class of the 1920s.
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Analysis of the 'tumultuous scene'

  • As Nick leaves, he notices a 'tumultous scene' as a guest crashes their car into a ditch. This commotion could be seen as significant in at least two ways:
    • Firstly, it foreshadows a car crash later in the novel
    • Secondly, it symbolises the reckless and careless attitudes of the Roaring Twenties. Fitzgerald seems to be suggesting that these carefree times are heading towards an inevitable downfall.
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Analysis of Nick's view of Jordan

  • Nick seems to dislike the loose morality of the 1920s, as exemplified by the dishonest character of Jordan Baker. Considering himself to be honest and, in many ways, traditional, he suggests that he would prefer to be in a relationship with someone more like himself.
  • The irony of this is that he himself is being dishonest by being in a relationship with someone he dislikes.

Chapter Three - Analysis of Gatsby

In Chapter Three, Nick meets Gatsby for the first time at his party.

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Gatsby impresses Nick

  • Gatsby seems to impress Nick: he has 'one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it' and speaks with 'elaborate formality'.
  • He immediately begins referring to Nick as 'old sport', showing his friendly nature.
  • Gatsby’s charming and endearing smile and manner is like a mask - in the same way that the supposed ‘fun’ of the Roaring Twenties is really just hiding the hollow reality.
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Gatsby's lack of participation

  • Nick is intrigued by the way that Gatsby does not really participate in the party. Instead, he prefers to observe from a distance.
  • While everybody is enjoying the party, Gatsby is 'standing alone on the marble steps'.
  • This distinction sets Gatsby apart from the other party guests. This suggests that he has more significant objectives than the fun and frivolity of his guests.

Jump to other topics

1Specification Overview

1.1Specification Overview

2Context

3Plot Summary

4Character Profiles

5Key Ideas

6Writing Techniques

7Love Through the Ages - Thematic Analysis

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