Question

There is a scene in chapter 3 when the man with owl-eyed spectacles tells Nick and Jordan that the books in Gatsby's library are real. Considering what you know about the Roaring Twenties, why might this scene be significant?

Answer 1

Answer:

Nick Caraway meets the man with the enormous owl-eyed spectacles in Jay Gatsby's library, during one of Jay's parties. Nick and Jordan had politely left their company to find Jay. The man was drunk and wanted to know what Nick and Jordan thought of Jay's enormous collection of books.

The man seemed overwhelmed by the idea that Jay actually had real books in his library and not just mere cardboard replicas to create the impression of reality. His comment that Jay is a "regular Belasco" is a reference to a famous and popular playwright, impresario, director and producer at the time, David Belasco.

The reference to one rooted in theatre implies firstly, that the library has the makings of a theatre - it is impressively large and well-stocked. Secondly, it suggests that Gatsby is putting on a show. This is the reason why the man with the spectacles is so surprised that the books are actually genuine. He expected them to be fake. Just as the room presented something theatrical, so should the books have too.

It is ironic that the man should make this comment because he accurately identifies the theatricality and artificiality of Jay's life without realizing it. The Jay who presents himself to his audience is not the real James Gatz. He has adopted a fake identity and affectations such as "old sport", to impress and convey an image of wealth and academic success.

Furthermore, the reference to the owl-eyed nature of the man's spectacles alludes to knowledge, deep scrutiny and investigation. The irony is however, that the man makes the remark whilst drunk, so even his insight is doubtful since this is the type of logic or rationalization one can expect from an inebriate. His remarks are the ramblings of a drunk and are of no consequence or import.