Name: __________________________
Gatsby Ch. 3 Graded Discussion Make-up Assignment
1. In Ch. 3, if Fitzgerald is giving us a little glimpse into the Roaring ‘20s, based on the behavior of
the party guests, what impression does he give? Include specific examples of how Gatsby’s guests
behave and interact to support your answer.
Fitzgerald seems to be showing that people are often __________________ (adjective)
Evidence to support that adjective:
Fitzgerald seems to be showing that people are often __________________ (adjective)
Evidence to support that adjective:
2. What do we learn about Gatsby specifically from his first meeting with Nick? (look at p. 47-48)
How does Nick seem to see two sides of Gatsby?
3. What else do we learn about Gatsby (not including his meeting with Nick)? What rumors are
mentioned? What do others say about him?
4. Look at Nick and Jordan’s conversation with Owl Eyes in the library. Why is Owl Eyes so shocked
that Gatsby’s books are “real”? What might this show about Gatsby? [Note: Owl Eyes describes Gatsby
as “a regular Belasco.” David Belasco was an American playwright and director, and one of the most
powerful personalities on the New York City theater scene during the 1920s. He was known for his
remarkably realistic sets, which paid great attention to detail. In one of his plays centered around
characters in a kitchen, actors actually cooked real food during the performance, and he once brought a
wall from a real homeless shelter/hotel for low-paid workers to build an accurate-looking set for a play
about laborers. Supposedly he would even have scents that went along with certain scenes put into the
theater’s ventilation.]
5. What do you believe is Gatsby’s goal for the party? In particular, what’s in it for him? Think about
what is odd about how he behaves at his party—what he doesn’t do.
6. HOW THE PARTY ENDS - What is significant about how Gatsby’s party ends? What is Gatsby’s
reaction to the events at the end of his party? Why do you think Fitzgerald chose to end the party
this way? Look carefully at the EMOTIONS of the guests at the end of the party.