In Chapter 3, Fitzgerald finally begins to give insight to Gatsby’s character. Gatsby’s party specifically reveals his comportment and social qualities, which ultimately separates him from the rest of society. Initially, Nick feels self-conscious to attend the party because he does not know anyone there; yet, he soon learns that he is one of the few people who received an invitation to the event, since most of the people there just showed up without even knowing Gatsby. Fitzgerald reveals that Gatsby is not haughty like he depicts Tom, Daisy, and the others to be since he permits people, even strangers, from all areas and backgrounds to attend his party. At the same time, one questions whether Gatsby’s tolerance is a result of not having many of his own friends. Nick notes the surprisingly neutral party to have “preserved a dignified homogeneity” (Fitzgerald 44). Gatsby is capable of not defying society and therefore becoming a pariah while creating an atmosphere of “homogeneity,” which describes the environment to consist of people all viewed in the same light and with the same respect. Nick exposes that there were “old men pushing young girls,” “superior couples holding each other,” and “a great number of single girls” (Fitzgerald 46). Despite the varied attendees, Gatsby tolerates people from all levels of society to come to the party and treat them fairly, which separates him from Tom and much of society.
Jacky--A number of ideas in this post...ruminations on Gatsby's party. Looks like you're trying to figure out to what extent his parties are homogeneous and to what extent they consist of a varied group of people. I wonder how much of the latter, really--aren't they all from some or another upper stratum of society?
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