The Spark Fades

The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Pages 97-111

"It is invariably saddening to look through new eyes at things upond which you have expended your own powers of adjustment," (Fitzgerald, 104).

I'm glad we finally have some solid information on Jay Gatsby. I was honestly getting tired of characterizing the man solely on his interactions with others and the rumors ensuing from these others.

However, I kind of liked the story that Gatsby had told earlier better. I know this 'American dream' that led Gatsby to his current state of wealth embodies the ambitious attitude that allows us as fellow Americans to relate to the story, yet it still makes me a little disappointed. And I still can't place my finger on why Fitzgerald chose to insert this information at this point in the story even though Nick confesses that it was told much later. The only reasoning I can see behind this is that this is some turning point of the story; the information to follow is directly relevant to Gatsby and the author simply wants the audience to feel a connection towards his character before some sort of triumph or tragedy.

Another thing I found interesting in this section was the lack of enjoyment that took place at Gatsby's party. I feel like this was bigger than the actually party itself. I think the party is simply a metaphor for Gatsby and Daisy's relationship. They used to be so extravagant and entertaining when the mystery and the chase was involved, but now that Gatsby has claimed his prize, he realizes it was not all that he had hoped it to be. Therefore, the party has lost its allure. Even Nick goes as far to comment on the matter by say that "the incarnation [of Gatsby's fantasy] was complete," (Fitzgerald, 111).