Great Gatsby - Reading Journal Chapter 3

Structure:

There’s a split in the structure of the chapter

It divides the narration into section 1 (recollection of the party but largely conversation) and section 2 (a short recap and Nick’s views on West Egg which is mostly in 1st person).

The divide changes times

Structure tells the story by creating a time frame for the story to be based upon. 

Narration:

Nick has the main voice of the narrator

Chapter is built up with narrated conversation form the other characters

This narration tells the story because it gives the chapter a voice and points of time.

By having a voice it gives the reader an understanding of the story’s origins, influences and tone. 

Imagery:

Nick compares Gatsby’s party guests to moths, moths are drawn to light and find this interest compulsive.

Metaphor saying how ‘bright’, ‘flashy’ and interesting the party is and people find it compelling to attend.

Insects usually thought of as coming in swarms, represented by the sheer amount of guests.

This imagery is used to tell the story because it gives the reader a detailed description of the party.

Language:

Uses  the word “all” gives an idea of the volume of people and size of the party.

Tells the reader how great the party’s are, because no one turns up to an awful party.

An appearing theme seems to be insects.

Language is also used by Fitzgerald to tell the story, he uses singular words to slightly change the way the chapter is interpreted and to mediate to the reader how he wants the scene to be imagined. 

Character:

First introduced to Gatsby

Description of his party gives the reader an idea of his character before we meet him

Reader thinks of him as a glamorous and lavish person in the same style of his parties

When we finally meet him there is some mild disappointment to the reader, he seems rather reserved, doesn't drink and separates himself from the party for most of the night

“one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it.” A gleaming smile is closely related to the world of Hollywood, and it is thought that all the big stars has perfect smiles, this trait shows the reader his ’star like quality’ and makes the reader want to find out more about him.

The difference between substance and appearance

Nick see’s the city’s beauty and enchantment, saying it has an “adventurous feel”, but he also calls it “racy” which makes it sound sleazier and more negative than his original view

Theme returns when describing his interest in Jordan

how he’s attracted to her but also knows she is a liar and selfish

differences are made further apart by the fact that his values from the Midwest are rather different to those held by the people of New York