Behind the glitz and glamor of chapter three

In chapter three, it opens with one of Gatsby's boisterous and "swinging" parties.  As Nick Carraway walks through the house, he notices that, "In the main hall a bar with a real brass rail was set up, and stocked with gins and liquors and with cordials so long forgotten that most of his female guests were too young to know one from another. " At first glance this comment seems innocent enough.But when you really dig deep and sink your teeth in it, it reveals how this comment isn't all glitz and glamor.

This comment shows how Gatsby and the party-goers obviously do not see the police or other law enforcers as a serious threat.  The huge amounts of alcohol and the way it's on a very nice display it almost seems to mock the police.  It's saying, "Not only do we have alcohol, but we're putting it right underneath your noses yet still you don't catch us."  The comment about how, "most of his female guests were too young to know one from the other" shows how young these girls were.  Notice also the fact he never mentions the men but only the women.  He might be implying the females attending the party, are very, very young rather and the men are old enough to have experience the difference types of alcohol.

After reflecting on this comment some more, it also reveals the careless, reckless, "dancing through life" mindset of the party-goers and Gatsby.  They are risking their money, jobs, reputation over a shot of whiskey or a flute of champagne.  This blatant act of defiance shows that the party-goers and Gatsby don't care about the risks and consequences.  All they care about is living in this moment and indulging themselves even if it's only for a second.  They'll party now and worry about the consequences later.  This in turn can reflect the views of the 1920's generation: party now, worry about it later.

A little bit about me

I'm Sarah. I'm loud, rarely speechless, and slightly awkward. But I'm okay with that. I'm uncoordinated and can barely walk a straight line.  I'm extremely gullible.  I read anything I can get my hands on.  I never seem to have enough time to pack in all the things I need and want to get done in a day.  I would be completely lost without my friends and family.  Writing is the only way I can fully express myself and gather my thoughts.