Notes on Chapter 3

Overview

• The chapter describes the extravagant parties held by Jay Gatsby at his mansion.
• Gatsby's parties are filled with glitz, glamour, and mystery, attracting scores of uninvited guests.

The Atmosphere of the Parties

• Music and laughter permeate Gatsby's house throughout the summer nights.
• Guests include men and women who mingle amidst the stars, champagne, and whispers.
• Activities include diving from rafts, sunbathing, and aquaplaning.
• Gatsby's Rolls Royce transports partygoers to and from the city.

The Preparations and Maintenance

• On Mondays, servants repair the damages from the weekend's revelries.
• A machine in the kitchen extracts juice from 200 oranges.
• Caterers set up elaborate buffets with hors d'oeuvres, hams, salads, pastries, and turkeys.
• An orchestra with a variety of instruments enhances the party's grandeur.

The Guests

• People come for the parties spontaneously, often without invitations.
• The narrator, Nick, receives a formal invitation, an exception.
• Young Englishmen, likely salesmen, mingle with wealthy Americans.
• Rumors circulate about Gatsby's mysterious past, including suspicions of murder and espionage.

Nick's Experience

• Nick attempts to find Gatsby during the party but struggles to locate him.
• He eventually encounters Jordan Baker, with whom he starts conversing.
• Nick learns of various rumors and speculations about Gatsby's identity.
• He finally meets Gatsby, who is surprisingly different from what Nick expected.

Gatsby's Character

• Gatsby introduces himself to Nick, displaying charm and a rare smile.
• He speaks with precise, formal language, hinting at a mysterious persona.
• Gatsby does not drink and seems more restrained than his guests.

The Hiccups of the Evening

• An accident occurs with a car leaving Gatsby's party, highlighting the reckless behavior of some guests.
• There is a commotion involving a guest, known as "Owl Eyes," who is perplexed by a car incident.

Nick's Reflections

• Nick reflects on his time in New York and his growing fascination with the city.
• He describes his casual involvement with Jordan Baker and her dishonest tendencies.
• Nick acknowledges his own honesty as a virtue, setting him apart from the other characters.

Themes

• The allure and emptiness of wealth.
• The mystery surrounding Jay Gatsby.
• The reckless behavior of the Jazz Age.

Key Characters

• Jay Gatsby: Mysterious, wealthy host of the parties.
• Nick Carraway: The narrative voice, observant and introspective.
• Jordan Baker: A professional golfer, associated with Nick, known for her dishonesty.
• Owl Eyes: A curious guest who is intrigued by Gatsby's library.