"The Great Gatsby" Reading Log - Chapter 3 "new money"

Finally in chapter 3 we get a taste of the famous Gatsby, probably the most iconic character of the book and were just getting a feel for him in the third chapter. Why is Gatsby the most iconic character of the book? well to put it simply his name is in the title of the book so it must make him pretty iconic. Gatsby is a popular wealthy young man, he earned his popularity from throwing lavish parties every weekend that hundreds would attend(1). Gatsby’s parties perfectly captured the lifestyle of the roaring 20’s because this was the decade people learned to let loose and rebel against society. There were flappers, and bootleggers, and smoking which usually was not of the norm until the 20’s. New York is a large city with bright lights and a constant fast and unforgiving atmosphere (basically the lime life of the party city) whereas Gatsby’s parties which were constantly being thrown were a down scale version of the city it’s self. They were grand over the top and all the rage.  They reflected New York perfectly in the prime of the 20s. I also believe that Gatsby also wants to be accepted by the citizens of East Egg because he is considered to be “new money”, and is afraid of rejection of others so he throws the parties to have a false sense of friendship and popularity. Nick likes Gatsby, but he represents everything that Nick despises.

Lavish Parties

This is the kind of music I imagine they play at 20's parties