During chapter 2 at Tom’s party, Fitzgerald builds up the anticipation of meeting the main character, Jay Gatsby. The conversation at his party shifted to Gatsby when Caroline stated that she was afraid of him after she heard that he is either a relative to the German emperor or that he killed someone. Rumors keep swirling around Gatsby, making him a mysterious rich guy. Finally, in chapter 3, Gatsby is introduced and everything unravels from there. Gatsby is known for his luxurious parties and Nick Carraway so happens to be invited to one. It becomes clear that although he is honored to receive an invitation from Gatsby himself, Nick feels out of place at this party. Most everyone there just shows up, uninvited, or as Nick states, they are the “new money” guests. Throughout the night, Nick listens to other peoples’ conversations about the existing rumors of Gatsby. Being a non-judgmental person, Nick isn’t too quick to judge Gatsby. Later, Nick encounters Jordan Baker and they both observe the scenery, acknowledging that this party and those that attend seem to live up to the American Dream. At the end of the party, there was a crash. This symbolizes the reckless behavior and the disregard of such drunkenness during this time period. This type of behavior is also shown in the beginning of chapter 4 when a drunken woman confronts Gatsby about the rumors previously talked about. After witnessing this, Nick decides that he will create a list of every guest that has attended one of Gatsby's parties, proving that most people do not know him on a personal level and only come for his hospitality or for social purposes. In chapter 4, Gatsby takes Nick to a luncheon to meet with Meyer Wolfshiem, Gatsby’s business partner. When Gatsby explains that Wolfshiem was responsible for fixing the 1919 World Series, Nick begins to believe that Gatsby's wealth came from being a part of an organized crime. This gives the impression that Gatsby is not an honest man. On the way out of the restaurant, Nick sees Tom and feels obligated to go over and introduce him to Gatsby. Nick describes the encounter as awkward, foreshadowing Gatsby’s past with Tom’s wife, Daisy. After Jordan explains the story between Gatsby and Daisy, it now changes Nick's impression of Gatsby from being dishonest to a lovesick, innocent soldier who wants to win back the love of his life.
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AuthorMorgann Granger |