The Great Gatsby: Chapter 3

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Chapter 3 

The overriding impression that Fitzgerald creates in his initial description of Gatsby's party is one of a coming together of a group of people who neither know nor care who the crowd are. There is no connection between the people who attend the parties on an emotional or spiritual level. The emphasis is on excessive consumption but there is no deeper meaning or human connection to the event. ​

Consider these four elements in chapter 3: 

1. Description of party preparations

2. Owl eyes library scene 

3. Rumours about Gatsby

4. Drunk driving scene

Consider each element of Gatsby’s party and analyse Fitzgerald’s purpose behind including each element. 

Discuss in your group. 

Moths 

amusement park 

How do these link to your reading of chapter 3 ? 

What is the significance of this to your reading of chapter 3 ?

Why the name Owl-eyes?
What are the connotations?

The party is an elaborate theatrical production. People do not even really like each other - "East Egg condescending to West Egg". Does Owl-Eyes perhaps suggest that Gatsby's whole life is merely a show? 

The man in the library = Owl-Eyes 

Belasco 

An American theatrical producer and playwright whose important innovations in the techniques and standards of staging and design were in contrast to the quality of the plays he produced.

Source: Britannica 

"Absolutely real - have pages and everything..they are absolutely real...it fooled me. pg 47

Owl Eyes is surprised to discover that the books are real and not just empty book covers or cases. Does this suggest that the people of West and East Egg are also ornate covers too? Does their outward show of opulence cover up their inner corruption and moral decay? 

The man in the library = Owl-Eyes 

Owl Eyes is surprised to discover that the books are real and not just empty book covers or cases. Does this suggest that the people of West and East Egg are also ornate covers too? Does their outward show of opulence cover up their inner corruption and moral decay? 

The man in the library = Owl-Eyes 

Symbolism 

Why did Fitzgerald wait until halfway through chapter 3 to introduce our "old sport" Gatsby? 

Fitzgerald is simply adding to the mystery of Gatsby and heightening readers’ anticipation for the meeting of Gatsby and Nick. Fitzgerald wants us to wonder about the man this book is named after, in the same way that Nick has wondered about his mysterious neighbour who reaches toward a light across the bay at night. By delaying the introduction of Gatsby and introducing him in this way, Fitzgerald is able to keep readers curious about the real Gatsby. Fitzgerald continues with this technique and rumours and suspicions will continue to mount in the coming chapters, but readers won’t know the “real Gatsby” until Chapter 7.

Goals for today 

Chapter 3 & 4 The Great Gatsby

Reflect on your reading 

Consider the structure of chapter 4 

Consider persuasive techniques and our unreliable narrator 

AWL

Benefit 

Concept 

Consist 

Chapter 3: Our first real meeting with Gatsby 

Choose one key word, one key phrase and one key sentence 

Up to chapter 3, what do you already know about Gatsby? What do you want to know? Write down your answers 

Act 1

Human Experience concepts Literature  

The Great Gatsby 

Human Experience Concepts: 

Belonging    Dreams    Authenticity    Insecurities 

For each of the characters we've met in chapters 1 and 2, which of these human experience concepts could apply to each character? 

Nick, Tom, Daisy, Jordan, Myrtle Wilson & George Wilson