Gatsby Ch. 3

a. Owl Eyes
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b. “Absolutely real-have pages and everything. I thought they’d be a nice durable cardboard. Matter of fact, they’re absolutely real.”


c. Drunk,- The fact that he has been drunk for a week straight.

Foolish- When he shows off to Nick and Jordan that the books are real.

Sheltered- His astonishment at the books shows his lack of experience in a high class environment.

Ignorant- The Books.

 Lower class- Mannerisms seem out of place within the high class party.

d. This character demonstrates the contrast between poor and rich in the story. Owl Eyes represents a drunk and the contrast between him and the rest of the invitees to Gatsby’s party is striking. His drunken behavior is the total opposite of the high-class mannerisms of the other party guests. The fact that he is surprised by how “real” the books are is a prime example of his class level. Lastly, it is interesting that Nick and Jordan came upon Owl Eyes in their search for Gatsby. Owl Eyes is the middle age man that they expected and it is clear that he it is ironic that he would be in Gatsby’s library.

Nick describes the elaborate parties and activities that he has seen occur at Gatsby’s house during the summer. One day Gatsby’s chauffer invites Nick to a party. Nick is thrilled and arrives at the party knowing no one but to his relief he runs into Jordan Baker. Nick hears many rumors concerning his host, which prompt him and Jordan to go and find the mysterious Gatsby.  They enter his library to find a man named Owl eyes drunk commenting on the books. The two go outside where a man approaches Nick and introduces himself as Gatsby himself. At 2:00 Nick observes husbands and wives fighting while Gatsby requests to meet with Jordan. After she is done Jordan describes the meeting as being extraordinary and the two leave to see Owl Eye’s car wreck. Nick begins to describe his work life and love life and mentions that he has fallen in love with Jordan.

“A sudden emptiness seemed to flow now from the windows and the great doors, endowing with complete isolation the figure of the host, who stood on the porch, his hand up in a formal gesture of farewell.”

This quote is the first time that a negative depiction of Gatsby is said by Nick. From this desciption it is clear that despite all his power and fame Gatsby suffers from severe loneliness. This quote relates to a major theme of the novel money. From this depiction despite all of Gatsby’s money he is still lonely. This quote is significant because it exemplifies how money has not supplied Gatsby with happiness. The other side of Gatsby that one sees from this quote is significant in identifying Gatsby as a whole. Although his actions and reputation portray him as a jubilant popular man it is clear that the real Gatsby is truly alone.