Chapter 3 Pg. 39-59

Nick studies the weekly preparations Gatsby makes for his weekend parties, as well as admiring his wealth through his objects. When Nick finally receives an invitation to one of these events, he finds himself roaming around Gatsby’s mansion with Jordan Baker on his arm and surrounded by rich East Eggers. He ends up having a conversation with a man he recognizes from his time in the war, and eventually discovers it is Gatsby himself. As Nick was leaving, he and Gatsby make plans to test drive his hydroplane the next day. As Nick reminisces over the past few days, he finds a strong attraction to Jordan Baker, who he also recognizes as a very dishonest person.

Jordan Baker:

* “She was incurably dishonest. She wasn’t able to endure being at a disadvantage and, given this unwillingness, I suppose she had begun dealing in subterfuges when she was very young in order to keep that cool, insolent smile turned to the world and yet satisfy the demands of her hard, jaunty body.”

* She’s a proud athlete; however she is involved in some sort of sports related scandals. She enjoys spending time with Nick and exemplifies that she likes social events, while keeping up her professional image.

* I feel that Jordan is possibly Nick’s love interest in the book. I also think she portrays the only strong, independent woman so far in this novel. Its interesting how she could be compared to the dependant and weak women we have met so far. However, she has the potential to be a major source of drama in the story due to her dishonest background and interest in gossip.

“Girls were putting their heads on men’s shoulders in a puppyish, convivial way, girls were swooning backward playfully into men’s arms, even into groups, knowing that someone would arrest their falls.”

This quote is just one example of the major dependence women had on men throughout this chapter. I feel one of the main themes in this book expresses the rarity of female strength during this time, and their desire to get what they want despite the cost and unhappiness. So far almost every girl in the book has resembled something of a gold digger. The power of women has only been exemplified through Jordan who is an athlete without significant male figure in her life, and is guided by her profession. I feel that the view of women in this novel is meant to express inferiority and lack of moral guidance.