The Great Gatsby Chapter 3: Summary and Study Questions
Guess first. Then read the summary. Then open the answers.
Chapter questions
- Question 1 · Recall
What arrives at Gatsby's house every Friday for his parties?
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Five crates of oranges and lemons arrive, and by Monday they leave again as pulpless halves.Reference: Chapter 3, the preparations for Gatsby's parties
- Question 2 · Recall
Where does Nick find the man with owl-like eyes?
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He is in Gatsby's Gothic library, where he is looking at the books.Reference: Chapter 3, Gatsby's library
- Question 3 · Recall
What happens to a car as Nick is leaving the party?
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A car ends up in a ditch. The owl-eyed man says he wasn't driving, and a dazed man climbs out and asks where he can find gasoline.Reference: Chapter 3, the end of the party
- Question 4 · Why
Why is Nick different from most guests at the party?
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Most guests arrive without being asked, but Nick receives a formal invitation, a note delivered by Gatsby's chauffeur.Reference: Chapter 3, Nick's invitation
- Question 5 · Why
Why does the owl-eyed man marvel at the books in the library?
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He is surprised that they are real books, with pages and everything. He has also been drunk for about a week.Reference: Chapter 3, Gatsby's library
Chapter summary
Nick describes the summer parties at Gatsby's mansion. Every Friday five crates of oranges and lemons arrive, and on Monday they leave as pulpless halves. Caterers bring canvas and colored lights, and a large orchestra plays.
Nick is unusual because a chauffeur brings him a formal invitation, signed by Jay Gatsby. Most guests just show up, and rumors go around that Gatsby killed a man, or spied for Germany. Nick runs into Jordan Baker and looks for his host without success.
In the Gothic library a man with owl-like eyes, who says he has been drunk for about a week, marvels that the books are real. Later, sitting at a table with Jordan, Nick finally meets Gatsby, a man a year or two over thirty with a rare, reassuring smile. They talk about serving in the war, and then Gatsby is called away to a telephone call. Later Jordan is summoned to speak with Gatsby privately. As Nick leaves, a car crashes nearby, and the owl-eyed man says he wasn't driving. Gatsby stands on his porch with a hand raised in farewell.
Come back in a few days and try these 5 again before you open the answers.
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