Perception versus reality; a psychological principle that defines how we see the world around us. The mask of perception enables people so make their lives seem entirely different than they really are. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald explores the relations between men and women, the rich and the poor and the varying psychologies among them. The first party at Gatsby’s house is the most opulent and boisterous one of the book. It also brings up the question: is the party a glimpse at Gatsby’s elaborate lifestyle or is it merely a show? Everyone puts on a happy facade at Gatsby’s party; however, Nick’s description of the dancing has a morbid undertone to it. “There was dancing now on the canvas in the garden; old men pushing young girls
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The words “eternal graceless circles” are the most important ones in this quotation. “Eternal” symbolizes that the men and women can never break free and it characterizes the romance between men and women as if it was an experience of a never-ending hell. “Graceless” means that the dancing brings no joy to either partner and there is no elegance to their dancing. “Circles” mean that the couples will continue coming back to these parties and they will continue to pretend to be happy despite their detestation for one another. In a sense, …show more content…
So why does he sit in isolation at his own party? Why remain such a mysterious figure? Gatsby’s peculiarity sparks doubts and gossip among his guests. For instance, The Owl-Eyed man suggests that not only is Gatsby’s party a performance but his life is a show as well. He hints at this by doubting whether the books in Gatsby’s library are real. “As a matter of fact you needn’t bother to ascertain. I ascertained. They’re real…. Absolutely real— have pages and everything. I thought they’d be a nice durable cardboard (page 45).” However, when he goes and checks the actual books, he notices that none of them have been read. “It’s a bona-fide piece of printed matter. It fooled me. This fella’s a regular Belasco. It’s a triumph. What thoroughness! What realism! Knew when to stop, too — didn’t cut the pages. But what do you want? What do you expect (pages 45-46)?” Gatsby fooled most of his guests by purchasing real books but the Owl-Eyed man learns that Gatsby didn't “cut the pages” in order to read the book. Gatsby relies on the fact that no one would actually check in such detail to figure out if his books had been actually read. Finding out that the books were fake unveils how much of a show Gatsby’s life actually is. He puts on the illusion that he is wealthy and smart by buying so many books but the reality is that many of them
The words “eternal graceless circles” are the most important ones in this quotation. “Eternal” symbolizes that the men and women can never break free and it characterizes the romance between men and women as if it was an experience of a never-ending hell. “Graceless” means that the dancing brings no joy to either partner and there is no elegance to their dancing. “Circles” mean that the couples will continue coming back to these parties and they will continue to pretend to be happy despite their detestation for one another. In a sense, …show more content…
So why does he sit in isolation at his own party? Why remain such a mysterious figure? Gatsby’s peculiarity sparks doubts and gossip among his guests. For instance, The Owl-Eyed man suggests that not only is Gatsby’s party a performance but his life is a show as well. He hints at this by doubting whether the books in Gatsby’s library are real. “As a matter of fact you needn’t bother to ascertain. I ascertained. They’re real…. Absolutely real— have pages and everything. I thought they’d be a nice durable cardboard (page 45).” However, when he goes and checks the actual books, he notices that none of them have been read. “It’s a bona-fide piece of printed matter. It fooled me. This fella’s a regular Belasco. It’s a triumph. What thoroughness! What realism! Knew when to stop, too — didn’t cut the pages. But what do you want? What do you expect (pages 45-46)?” Gatsby fooled most of his guests by purchasing real books but the Owl-Eyed man learns that Gatsby didn't “cut the pages” in order to read the book. Gatsby relies on the fact that no one would actually check in such detail to figure out if his books had been actually read. Finding out that the books were fake unveils how much of a show Gatsby’s life actually is. He puts on the illusion that he is wealthy and smart by buying so many books but the reality is that many of them