Chapter 3 is profusely important to the novel as it is the chapter in which the novel’s titular character, Jay Gatsby is finally introduced to the reader through the narrative voice of Nick Carraway. One of the ways that Fitzgerald does this is through the use of structure and dialogue. At the beginning of chapter 3 both the narrator, Nick Carraway and the reader are introduced to what a typical party at Gatsby’s house entails. “In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars” This quote highlights the key elements of the lifestyle revolving Gatsby. “Went like moths” this indicates that people are drawn to Gatsby due to “the whisperings” meaning the gossip about him and his questionably sourced money. Fitzgerald uses this chapter to build up to the introduction of Gatsby. This build up is continued through the use of dialogue in the chapter “...he was a German spy during the war” this highlights the speculation surrounding Gatsby as well as the infatuation the other characters have with him; it also reflects both Nick and the reader’s feelings at that point in the novel with regards to the mystery of Gatsby. Who is he? By using these techniques, Fitzgerald initiates the growth of a crescendo to the introduction of Gatsby. A crescendo which falls flat as Gatsby’s introduction is completely overlooked by both Nick and the reader who are so consumed by the scene and speculation around them, that they miss the very thing they are looking for. However this misdirection is extremely indicative of Gatsby’s character; he likes to observe and remain elusive as well as foreshadowing that much like his introduction, expectations built up for Gatsby will ultimately lead to disappointment.
Another way that Fitzgerald tells the story is through the use of Nick Carraway as an unreliable narrator. This is shown most conclusively when Gatsby