What Does Chapter Three of The Great Gatsby Mean?

Summary: Chapter three deals largely with one of the most enigmatic characters within the novel, Gatsby himself. At the beginning of the party, the guests try to decide what to make of their host, and most marvel over his collection of cars and the opulent display of wealth that he puts out for his guests. During a later part of the party, Nick and Jordan unknowingly sit at the same table as Gatsby. Nick proceeds to make many observations regarding Gatsby and his manners. On his way home, Nick notices several of the guests involved in a car crash. Nick also attempts to define his life several times during the close of the chapter, perhaps in an attempt to define his character and nature.

Chapter Quote: "He had one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life." The quote selected here describes Gatsby and his peculiar nature. Note that nearly every character in the novel appears to have some type of different reaction to Gatsby and his ways. Gatsby is perhaps on the most mysterious characters in the novel, little of his motivations and true feelings are ever revealed to the reader. In fact, despite the fact that the book bears his name, he does not receive a speaking role until chapter three.

Character Role: Perhaps the best character to focus on at this particular point in time would be Gatsby himself. Although the book bears his name, very little in particular regarding Gatsby, including his feelings and motivations can be found within the text. In fact, Gatsby is not even given a speaking role until the third chapter within the novel. As a result of the nearly total lack of exposition regarding Gatsby, it becomes difficult to discern his qualities, especially as to whether or not they are good or bad. However, it can definitely be said that Gatsby is one of the most enigmatic characters to be found in modern literature, he intrigues nearly everyone who takes a place around him. Perhaps more of Gatsby's nature and personality will be revealed later in the novel.

Symbolism: As important as chapter three is to the introduction of Gatsby, it also has much to do with the symbols in the novel. Two very important symbols can be found within this chapter. Perhaps the most important though are the possessions of Gatsby. Gatsby's wealth and material status represent the definition of the American Dream in the 1920s. Note that there is also a lot of importance that can be found in the contradiction between Gatsby's enormous library of books and Nick's small collection of unread bond books. Equally important in terms of symbolism is the comparison that can be made between the career of Gatsby and the career of Nick, although their ages are very similar, and even their paths in life are cut out in the same manner, Gatsby and Nick have chosen two very separate paths, perhaps more of these comparisons will be revealed in the later passages of the novel.