The Great Gatsby Chapter 3

Here Nick observes the opulence and flair of Gatsby’s very frequent parties. He is then invited by Gatsby to attend, via a very sincere and thoughtful note from Gatsby, delivered to Nick by his chauffeur. Nick accepts, and arrives shortly after 7PM one evening.  

It is noted that most guests are not invited, but are merely people who just “show up.” Gatsby’s place is just a chic and hip place to arrive at, with a good time always on tap. Some, but very few, are invited. However, after being an invited guest one time, most feel an open invitation to simply appear as they please.  

Nick knows nobody, wandering aimlessly. He notes the shallow conversations, the meaningless small-talk, and the general insincerity of guests. He notes a number of young Englishmen present, who appear to be there for no other purpose than personal gain through lucrative contacts. He inquires as to Gatsby’s whereabouts to a couple of people, but their responses simply embarrass Nick, so he uncomfortably retreats to the cocktail table.

He then spots Jordan Baker. He goes to join her, glad to see a familiar face. She greets him, but also converses with some fans of hers, who offer her consolation for a recent, high-profile golf loss. Their conversation goes to Gatsby, and one of the fans mentions that at a recent party here, she’d damaged her dress. Gatsby had sent her a new, expensive dress to replace it. It is mentioned that Gatsby acts like a man who wants to avoid trouble at all costs, and speculation is made that he once killed a man, while another has heard that he was a German spy. Yet another says that he could not have been, as she is certain that he served in the way as a United States serviceman.  

Nick and Jordan join Jordan’s group at a table. After a while, though, they decide to go attempt to find Gatsby. They try a few places, with no luck. They enter the library, where they find a drunken guest marveling at the books. This man seems to be stunned that the books are real, apparently assuming before that the books were nothing more that a cardboard facade.  

The party continues until late night, to include dancing and music and further libation. Sometime after midnight, Nick is talking to a man sitting near him at a table. The man mentions that he recognizes Nick, recalling a unit that Nick served with in the war. Surprised, Nick confirms this, and the two two briefly discuss their time in the service. The man mentions that he’s recently purchased an aquaplane, and invites Nick to join him for an inaugural flight the following day. Nick accepts, and then mentions that he has not yet met Gatsby. The man apologizes, and announces to Nick that HE is Gatsby. However, their conversation is cut short by a butler who summons Gatsby to accept a call from Chicago.  

Nick then implores Jordan, asking her again who Gatsby really is... what type of man. She mentions that Gatsby claims to be an Oxford man, but also says that she doesn’t believe him. However, she likes the parties here, so she continues to show up.  

The party continues, as guests become more and more intoxicated. Then, Jordan is summoned by Gatsby, who wishes to speak with her. She goes, and Nick wanders inside of the house, where he sees that couples appear to be quarreling. Intoxicated wives appear to be growing irritated with their intoxicated husbands, and the alcohol-fueled effects are seen. Gatsby then reappears, but when Gatsby reminds Nick of the flying date for the next morning, they are yet again interrupted by a butler mentioning a call from Philadelphia for Gatsby.  

Nick leaves the party, but discovers snarled traffic leaving the estate. An intoxicated guest has had a collision that has torn an entire wheel from his car. The guest, in his drunkenness, does not even grasp the debilitating effect of losing a wheel, and continues to insist that he can drive the vehicle.  

We jump to a moment of reflection from the narrator, who mentions that this far, his story appears to have encompassed only three days. He corrects that misconception by saying that this has all happened over the course of many weeks, and that he has found a job, and is working daily. He’s made friends with some co-workers, and even briefly dated a girl. Later, he’s started spending more time with Jordan, although he has recognized some flaws in her personality, especially her penchant for dishonesty. He cites a few examples of her lying. He mentions that he’s considered loving her, but that he must first officially terminate his relationship with a girl in the Midwest. He then mentions that one of his own great attributes is his own honesty.  

Analysis:

 Here we learn more information about Gatsby, who has this far, and probably intentionally, per the author’s construct, remained mysterious. Yet, the information we learn seems to be less than solid, perhaps rumor, perhaps invented, and perhaps even an outright lie. We are left unsure about Gatsby’s past, but we do see that Gatsby is affable, generous, and kind. He extends invitations to all who will come, and provides them with only the very best of accommodations, food, drink, and entertainment.  

Nick observes Gatsby’s parties, and is later invited to attend. Nick remains little more than an observer, noting the shallowness and indifference that the guests exhibit, some of whom do not even know Gatsby. Nick finds their lack of substance repulsive, and he feels a certain sadness for Gatsby. He begins to grasp the idea that Gatsby is very alone, in spite of the vast throngs of people willing to accept his hospitality.