Chapter 3

The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald

As chapter three progresses, we are offered a peek into the character of Gatsby and his lavish lifestyle through Nick's eyes as a newcomer. There are grand descriptions of Gatsby's mansion and the favors he provides for his guests; for example, "...the orchestra has arrived, no thin five-piece affair, but a whole pitful of oboes and trombones and saxophones and viols and cornets and piccolos, and..." (Fitzgerald, 40). Gatsby seems to need to display his wealth in a very conspicuous manner which is characteristic of the time period. Though, when Nick finally meets Gatsby, after fighting through throngs of drunken guests and friends of guests, Gatsby appears surprisingly sober and distant from the events occurring in his own home. Nick is immediately drawn to his demeanor and admits his respect for Gatsby's lifestyle, a topic that will be later explored in the story as Nick discovers more about Gatsby's past. The conspicuous consumption of the 20s, we know, was followed by a period of depression. But, the people at Gatsby's party are certainly "living it up" and refusing to look ahead to the consequences of their actions, foolishly believing that it can be like this forever.