Chapter 3
1. Chapter 3 describes Gatsby’s “little party.” Enumerate details about the party itself, about
the guests, and about their conversation and behavior.
a. Gatsby’s parties are elaborately prepared for. He orders “crates of oranges,”
sends his Rolls Royce as transportation for his guests, and invites all types of
people; many who have not been invited arrive anyway. His entertainment
includes expensive, well-known celebrities and orchestra. There is a lot of gossip
about Gatsby at the party and the guests “act as if they are at an amusement
park”.
2. Describe the meeting between Nick and Gatsby. Comment on Fitzgerald’s skill in
preparing for Gatsby’s entrance into the story.
a. Nick did not even realize he was talking to Gatsby. The introduction of Gatsby in
the novel is very low key even though there is a big build up for his entrance.
3. In what way are Nick and Gatsby similar at this point? Why are they paradoxical (two
things that appear contradictory at first glace but are actually similar/have a common
truth)?
a. They are both WWI vets. They are both quiet and seem to keep to themselves.
They both like to fly. They both don’t drink. They are about the same age.
b. Nick and Gatsby seem to be from either end of the spectrum of wealth but as they
start talking, they are very similar.
4. What is the reason for Nick’s breaking the story at this point? Read the section beginning
with “Reading over what I have written so far…”
a. Nick wants the people reading to understand what he is writing about is not the
only thing he did over the summer. These events are just highlights. He does not
want the readers to think he was just a “party” guy. He does have an “ordinary”
schedule overall – he does have down time, goes to work, he is an honest and
ethical person.
5. At the end of Chapter 3, Nick meets Jordan again. The author includes several episodes
that emphasize her carelessness and basic dishonesty. Discuss these instances. What do
they reveal about Jordan? About Nick?
a. Jordan cheated in a golf tournament. She also probably paid off the witnesses to
take back their story about seeing her cheat. She ruined someone’s car and then
lied about it/she does not care. While she was driving after drinking, she was
driving recklessly on purpose. Jordan is irresponsible; she does not care about
what people think.
b. The way Nick feels about the way Jordan acts is that her dishonesty is ok; he
expects women to be dishonest, especially pretty women. This shows that Nick is
sexist.
6. Notice the last paragraph in Chapter 3. Is Nick being overly proud here? Discuss.
a. This is your opinion. Just be able to defend your position with a novel detail.