Keyword Guide · chapter-summary
Chapter 3 introduces Gatsby through his famous party and the social world of West Egg. This summary highlights the key events, characters, and ideas you need for class discussion, quizzes, and essays.
Nick attends one of Gatsby’s lavish weekend parties. Guests arrive uninvited, enjoy excess food, music, and alcohol, and spread rumors about their mysterious host. Nick finally meets Gatsby, who is polite, reserved, and surprisingly sincere.
The party represents wealth without purpose and social connection without intimacy. Although the house is full, most guests do not know Gatsby. This contrast highlights the emptiness behind the glamour of the Jazz Age.
Nick observes Jordan Baker, the reckless partygoers, and Gatsby himself. The rumors about Gatsby’s past show how easily appearances replace truth. Gatsby’s calm manners set him apart from his chaotic environment.
Chapter 3 shapes readers’ first real impression of Gatsby and establishes major themes: illusion versus reality, isolation, and the moral limits of wealth. It also reinforces Nick’s role as an observer rather than a participant.
The chapter introduces Gatsby directly and shows the contrast between his public image and his private character.
It shows excess, carelessness, and shallow relationships, suggesting that wealth does not guarantee meaning or happiness.
They emphasize mystery and show how people judge others based on gossip rather than facts.
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