The Glitz and Glamour of the Ritz

We begin with the mysterious Mr. Gatsby, who everyone seems to know and not know at the same time. Gatsby is almost an enigma; Nick Carraway observes the coming and going of visitors on party nights, yet sees Gatsby stretch his arms lovingly towards the bay. There are several points in the conversations that Nick hears rumors that Gatsby was a German spy or murderer, and Owl Eyes is thoroughly surprised that the books are real, even though the parties seem like stage tricks. Although Nick finds his company pleasant, he questions whether or not Gatsby is "real", because of his refined manners and almost "searching" glance during parties. Despite the glamorous people who pass in and out of Gatsby's parties, Gatsby seems not to know anyone personally, a mere spectator and mastermind in his elaborate performances.   

I visited New York City, the backdrop to the novel, for Thanksgiving. I wanted to see this "West Egg" and "East Egg", to better understand the novel. Unfortunately, I didn't really know where it was (though I suspect it was at the tip of Long Island), but I could understand Nick Carraway's reaction to the city. It was fast paced and flashy, crowded with people waiting for the parade; however, there was an empty feeling to all this material wealth, as if the people were pining for something else. I pictured Gatsby's mansion as sprawling, much like Breakers in Newport, and a hollow shell. I envisioned Gatsby as a clean cut, lonely man broken and sorrowful inside--despite his charisma and self-confidence--with a wistful look directed across the bay. Perhaps material wealth can't buy everything, and we will never be satisfied; at the same time, we are always waiting for something to happen, pawns in the grand scheme of life.