He is a truth-seeking observer of this doomed society. A minor character is one that doesn't have a large role in the story. However, he's managed to block everyone else from leaving, and he has no clue about how to fix the situation. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1699 titles we cover. This haze prevents Gatsby from making true connections with the objects and people that surround him. Owl Eyes' observations in the library and at Gatsby's funeral make him a significant character. Thanks for contributing an answer to Literature Stack Exchange! What happens at the end of Chapter 2 of The Great Gatsby? Psychological Research & Experimental Design, All Teacher Certification Test Prep Courses, Kristin Wilson, Christina Boggs, Anastasia Brooks, Main Characters in The Great Gatsby: Character List & Analysis, Nick Carraway in the Great Gatsby: Character Analysis, Nick's Role as the Narrator in the Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby (James Gatz) in The Great Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan in The Great Gatsby: Character Analysis & Quotes, Tom Buchanan in The Great Gatsby: Character Analysis & Quotes, Who Is Jordan Baker in The Great Gatsby? What realism! The first time we come across Dr. T.J. Eckleburg and his eerie eyes, we are in the midst of a double whammy of terribleness. Gatsby also confides in Nick, divulging his past, his unending love for Daisy, and his desire to rekindle their love of old. Gatsby reminds us that holding on to the past can sometimes be dangerous and that a person's perception of you can be completely different from who you actually are. 2. His wife, Daisy, often laughs at him. Bigger glasses? Then as Doctor T. J. Eckleburg's faded eyes came into sight down the road, I remembered Gatsby's caution about gasoline.That locality was always vaguely disquieting, even in the broad glare of afternoon, and now I turned my head as though I had been warned of something behind. These were some general adjectives that can be used to describe the beautiful eyes. Knew when to stop, too - didn't cut the pages. So what is he supposed to represent or rather what message is Fitzgerald trying to deliver through Owl Eyes? In the middle of Queens, along the road the characters take to get from West Egg to Manhattan, near George Wilson's garage, there is a billboard. There's a continuous contrast between surface and reality in the book, with the nagging question of how to tell the difference. He was in the library because he wants to discover the truth about Gatsby while other guests are very busy with silly rumors about Gatsby. When Nick first encounters him in chapter 3 at the first. Nick and Tom knew each other in college, and Tom marries Daisy, who is Nick's twice-removed cousin. The adjective "supercilious" describes a person who behaves as if they are superior to others. "I spoke to her," he muttered, after a long silence. The only thing that Klipspringer ever contributes in the novel is playing the piano. Over the ashheaps the giant eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg kept their vigil but I perceived, after a moment, that other eyes were regarding us with peculiar intensity from less than twenty feet away. It was the result of his true interest in who Gatsby was as a person. Jay Gatsby leads a glamorous lifestyle of wild parties and loud music in a mansion, all to woo Daisy back into his life. Replacing broken pins/legs on a DIP IC package, Is there a solution to add special characters from software and how to do it. Impression on Carraway. He notices it's a book, not a prop, but the pages haven't been cut. "Have you got a church you go to sometimes, George? Owl Eyes is the last person to see Gatsby at his funeral. Owl-Eyes is also saying this while very drunk. Now that we've discussed the significance of the billboard advertising the oculist Doctor Eckleburg, let's figure out the best way to approach this symbol in an essay. Owl Eyes Editors. He finds it a discomfiting cap on the misery and desolation of the "ash heaps" that separate Long Island from Manhattan. A Comprehensive Guide. Throughout the novel, he has an affair with Myrtle Wilson, a fiery woman who is the total opposite of his wife. He symbolizes the few people that actually care about and take an interest in the enigmatic Jay Gatsby. Which brings us to the eyes. Owl Eyes explains to Carraway that he was unable to get to Gatsby's home. The real reason that there is no moral or ethical underpinning to the lives of these characters is that their world is based on a greedy, money-based notion of success. Jay Gatsby, the title character, is celebrated by some and scorned by others in this novel, which slowly unravels the truth about who he is versus who the other characters think he is. His works seem to touch the readers of the time and even touch us today. But Gatsby shows many differences, not only between him and his guests, but between him and the other wealthy people around him as well. Are there tables of wastage rates for different fruit and veg? Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? PDF downloads of all 1699 LitCharts literature guides, and of every new one we publish. Jay Gatsby, the protagonist in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby, is trapped in a romantic haze where he is unable to see the events happening around realistically. He's also mysterious and captivating. On the surface, Owl Eyes is a perceptive character. They used to go there by the hundreds. Just as the room presented something theatrical, so should the books have too. Lovely. Find related themes, quotes, symbols, characters, and more. Context with examples. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. The contrast between the rich and the poor, represented by Daisy and her husband, on one side, and Myrtle and George, on the other, points out the extent to which the rich had opportunities to make mistakes and still come out unscathed, while the poor had few chances for error. Finally, he shows up at Gatsby's funeral. You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. He even befriends Myrtle's husband and convinces him that Jay Gatsby is the man his wife has been seeing. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. Owl Eyes is one of the few characters that suspects that Gatsby is not who he really says he is. The Valley of Ashes in The Great Gatsby | What is the Valley of Ashes? Owl Eyes brief appearance in the novel serves as validation for Gatsby. Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here: PrepScholar 2013-2018. His obsession with Gatsby's library was not the result of his excessive drunkenness. eNotes Editorial, 28 Apr. This contrast highlights another important aspect of Gatsbys character: his self-control. In addition, Owl Eyes drunkenness contrasts sharply with Gatsbys sobriety. It only takes a minute to sign up. Owl Eyes symbolizes the other side of the coin in terms of the people around Gatsby. Get unlimited access to over 88,000 lessons. He wasn't a person at all, just a void he hoped Daisy would fill. Educators go through a rigorous application process, and every answer they submit is reviewed by our in-house editorial team. they used to go there by the hundreds. 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. You can build from them as-is, argue their opposite, or use them as jumping-off points for your own interpretation. He is the only one who discovers amidst all the frivolity of the parties that Jay Gatsby has a library with real books enclosed in leather covers. Daisy's significance to the story lies in her history with Gatsby and her present relationship with Tom. Owl Eyes is the last person to see Gatsby at his funeral. Since Nick isn't actually there, this must be Nick's version of Michaelis's testimony to the police after the murder-suicide. Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers. B.A. The billboard watches the site of the novel's biggest moral failures. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. He is blown away by the sheer wealth of Gatsby, but also curious about who Gatsby is as a person. The Valley of Ashes. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Creating notes and highlights requires a free LitCharts account. Klipspringer was more than happy to use Gatsby for a place to stay rent-free. This loneliness and obsession with the past keep him from having a true grasp on reality. The books contain "realism" but are just for show. Create your account, 8 chapters | ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score, How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League, Is the ACT easier than the SAT? Best Analysis: Eyes of TJ Eckleburg in The Great Gatsby, Get Free Guides to Boost Your SAT/ACT Score, "valley of ashes" that is "grotesque" and "desolate", quasi-mysterious and unreal-sounding green light. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. Latest answer posted April 27, 2021 at 7:48:23 PM, In The Great Gatsby, what does Daisy mean when she says, "And I hope she'll be a foolthat's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool. She has a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Cincinnati. This billboard, a completely inanimate object, cannot stand in for a civilizing and moral influence, however much the characters want to read God or at least an overseeing presence into it. At one of Gatsby's parties, Owl Eyes shows Nick. Tom, often boastful, frequently talks about things he knows nothing about and usually ends up sounding foolish. Owl Eyes is described as a tall and middle-aged man with large owl-eyed glasses. Dive into a character list and analysis of these characters, including Nick Carraway, Tom Buchanan, Daisy Buchanan, and Jay Gatsby. The lady then invites Gatsby to come to dinner with them. The rest of the face isn't pictured, and the billboard is dirty with paint that has faded from being weathered. Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. I am a native Georgian with over 10 years experience in writing, publishing, and mentoring. Owl-Eyes is suggesting that Gatsby can put on quite a show. After Gatsby's death, Klipspringer is not sad or upset about it. They're also connected by a lie concerning the death of Myrtle Wilson, a woman with whom Tom is having an affair. he cried triumphantly. Why did Owl Eyes attend Gatsby's funeral? His real name is never given, but he may represent Ring Lardner. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. Unlike the rest of the fair-weather friends, Owl Eyes has some real sympathy towards him. The Great Gatsby. Klipspringer makes his third and final appearance at the end of the novel. Review Ewing Klipspringer and Owl Eyes in ''The Great Gatsby.'' confident. Owl Eyes got his nickname due to his round glasses, but he also shows signs of being wise and intuitive. Tom Buchanan. Not quite the kind of vacuum we're talking about here. Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby also represent binary opposites. Get unlimited access to over 88,000 lessons. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. All rights reserved. Tom, Mr. Sloane, and a young lady visit Gatsby's home. Klipspringer claims a bedroom in Gatsby's house for himself. This fella's a regular Belasco. "Owl Eyes is a symbol of the persistence of the uncorrupted American Dream, the original and spiritual dream, not the false and . They look out of no face but, instead, from a pair of enormous yellow spectacles which pass over a nonexistent nose. Before delving into the deeper meaning of this image, let's get a general idea of what this object is. She has taught high-school and college English for over 20 years. Nick is Daisy's twice-removed cousin, knows Tom from college, and is the next door neighbor and friend to Jay Gatsby. The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points, How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer. Earlier in the novel, we learn that Gatsby is a very lonely man. (2.1-20). On one hand, you have Owl Eyes, who shows a genuine interest (or something akin to it) in Gatsby; Owl Eyes simply cannot believe that Gatsby has real books in his library, and he seems to have a real fascination with the guy: "See!" 8 chapters | Pulchritudinous. After saying goodbye to Gatsby (who has to run off to receive a phone call from Philadelphia), Nick leaves the party. This further reinforces the idea that Gatsby is not like other people; he is special and unique. He cheerfully admits he doesn't know how to drive. Ewing Klipspringer is a man who takes up residence in Gatsby's home, earning him the name ''the boarder.'' Gatsby is a cardboard cutout. Like Gatsby, who is also compared to "the advertisement of the man" (7.83), the billboard is a sham representation of a deeper idea. Check out our "Symbols" section for some thoughts on that. So why exactly is Klipspringer significant? Carraway comes to find that the man has a bizarre fascination with the books and the fact that they are real books. He sleeps in one of the bedrooms, doing exercises and wandering the property at his leisure. My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account. That the eyes watch over this neighborhood in particular is an indictment of the way those who can't claw their way to the top get left behind in the lawless Wild East, shaming those passing through who are taking advantage of the hard work of the poor. The Valley of Ashes, an industrial neighborhood that is an indictment of the way those who can't claw their way to the top get left behind in the lawless Wild East. Even Wilson himself, who seems to feel the billboard is some kind of brake on his inner turmoil, is easily persuaded that it's just "an advertisement," and so nothing stands in the way of his violent acting out. What does Gatsby's response tell us about his social sensitivity? Owl Eyes, or, the man with the owl-eyed glasses whom Nick only refers to by the nickname Nick gives him, plays two roles in the story. I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. The large glasses, of course, tie him to the Eckleburg billboard. You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. A self-taught DIYer, Tammy loves nothing more than tackling a new project in her own home. By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Acidity of alcohols and basicity of amines. Owl-Eyes is suggesting that Gatsby can put on quite a show. Each the other main characters need him for a variety of reasons. That's why the only appropriate God figure is an inanimate object. It refers to staying awake for a religious purpose, or to keep watch over a stressful and significant time. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. At one of Gatsby's parties, Owl Eyes shows Nick around the library, fascinated by the countless number of genuine and impressive books that Gatsby possesses. However, she lives with the knowledge that her husband is cheating on her. The billboard of the eyes of T.J. Eckleburg is located in the middle of what Nick calls "the valley of ashes"the industrial section of Queens that connects the rich neighborhoods of the Eggs on Long Island and the similarly booming Manhattan. What is the purpose of Owl Eyes in Great Gatsby? Up until this point, Gatsby has been largely dismissed by those in West Egg. Latest answer posted January 17, 2020 at 2:16:37 PM, "I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life.". Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. That is mean no one read and touch them even Gatsby himself, so Gatsby used them for just showing his huge wealth. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, was originally published in 1925. . What are the "old euphemisms" in The Great Gatsby? The expiration date also labeled Arew is the go-to source for all your home improvement, gardening, cooking, and family needs. Tammy Slater is the founder of arew.org, a home and garden blog that provides inspiration and resources for homeowners and renters alike. One example of Nicks role as a truth-seeking observer is when he attends Gatsbys funeral. Owl Eyes is one of the more mysterious characters in The Great Gatsby. Owl Eyes is shocked by this and responds, "Why, my God! The billboard is an ad for an optometrist (called an "oculist" in the 1920s). As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 88,000 Teachers and parents! link to How Do You Get Rid Of Hard Calcium Deposits In The Shower? Owl Eyes is a character in The Great Gatsby who is surprised to find out that Gatsbys book is real. Throughout the novel, the differences between Gatsby and his party guests become more apparent, as he is a reserved and intellectual person, more focused on winning Daisy's affection than on admiring his material items. Examples include the East versus the West Egg, made money versus inherited money, past versus present, and characters such s Klipspringer versus Owl Eyes. George seems to conflate the eyes of T.J. Eckleburg with his idea of an ever-present, all-seeing God. The idea for the Describing Words engine came when I was building the engine for Related Words (it's like a thesaurus, but gives you a much broader set of related words, rather than just synonyms). Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. Did this satellite streak past the Hubble Space Telescope so close that it was out of focus? He also tells Myrtle's husband that Gatsby is the one responsible for Myrtle's death. Despite this, he is able to articulate himself well and expresses excitement when he learns about Gatsbys background. This event furthers Nicks realization that the relationships Gatsby had were superficial and based solely on his wealth. As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 88,000 The eyes of TJ Eckleburg come closest to being an external motivator for characters to at least consider the morality of their actions, as they squirm and become uncomfortable under the eyes' gaze. I feel like its a lifeline. While Tom is loud, rugged, and somewhat ignorant, Gatsby is reserved, cultured, and intelligent. A drunken man has driven his new car into a ditch, with Owl Eyes in the passenger seat. in Social Studies Education. The poor son-of-a-bitch.''. Gatsby's enchanting smile is like a mask, just as the "fun" of the Roaring Twenties hides an emptiness beneath. . How much does a 8 week old cocker spaniel weight? Minor Characters in The Great Gatsby: Character List & Analysis, Dan Cody in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald | Quotes, Character & Analysis, Meyer Wolfsheim in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald | Summary, Character Analysis & Quotes, Eyes in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald | Symbolism, Billboard & Analysis, Yellow in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald | Symbolism & Analysis, F. Scott Fitzgerald | Education, Biography & Works, Cars in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald | Yellow Car, Symbols & Quotes, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Chapter 3 | Summary, Symbols & Quotes, Carelessness in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald | Quotes & Examples, The Great Gatsby Chapter 5 | Summary, Significance & Quotes, West Egg in The Great Gatsby | Location, Symbolism & Description. Our last visit to the eyes happens during a private moment between the coffee shop owner Michaelis and George Wilson. Gatsby is certainly ambitious and determined. We next meet Owl Eyes in the driveway after he's crashed his car. The Great Gatsby Shmoop Literature Guide Literary Devices . That poor son-of-a-bitch." In a later visit to Gatsby's home, readers learn that Klipspringer is a pianist. eNotes.com will help you with any book or any question. The "gigantic" eyes are disembodied, with "no face" and a "nonexistent nose.". On a more local level, the garage is the place where Daisy kills Myrtle. Although his identity is not immediately clear, there is no denying the fact that all that he does and says is in an effort to win back his first love. First, Nick has just described Queens as a depressing, crumbling "valley of ashes" that is "grotesque" and "desolate" (2.1). F. Scott Fitzgerald's use of minor characters to convey important topics is crucial in The Great Gatsby, and two examples of these characters are Ewing Klipspringer and Owl Eyes. (8.72-105). Clearly he is significant as he is one of the few people to show up to Gatsby's funeral. Gatsby's home was essentially a revolving door of guests. To find a quotation we cite via chapter and paragraph in your book, you can either eyeball it (Paragraph 1-50: beginning of chapter; 50-100: middle of chapter; 100-on: end of chapter) or use the search function if you're using an online or eReader version of the text. A true American Dream. He thinks the problem is that the car is low on gas, but as we learn, the real problem at the garage is that George Wilson has found out that Myrtle is having an affair. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. Maybe I could call up the church and get a priest to come over and he could talk to you, see?". . In his novel The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald provided an incisive commentary on the many social disparities and injustices that existed in American society in the 1920s. We were all irritable now with the fading ale and, aware of it, we drove for a while in silence. The second time T.J. Eckleburg's eyes appear, Tom, Nick, and Jordan are stopping at Wilson's garage on their way to Manhattan to have it out with Daisy and Gatsby. 98 lessons To search words for which to find adjectives for, type at least 2 letters in the autocomplete word search box, and then select a . She dresses in lavish gowns and commands the attention of both Tom and Gatsby. Get the latest articles and test prep tips! Briefly describe Owl Eyes The eccentric, bespectacled drunk whom Nick meets at the first party he attends at Gatsby's mansion. On the contrary, Owl Eyes is a middle-aged man with round glasses that takes up a fascination with the books in Gatsby's library, amazed by the sheer amount of incredible books he owns. Fitzgerald created an excellent impression of two different worlds inhabited by Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby and took the idea of social divisions to the next level by creating binary opposites. He is often seen in the library, and is excited to tell others about Gatsbys book. Second, Tom is about to introduce Nick to Myrtle Wilson, his married mistress. It represents the reckless disregard of the Roaring Twenties and the inevitable plunge Fitzgerald sensed would end the boom. This is likely because the library represents Gatsbys wealth and status, something that Owl Eyes is likely fascinated by. Tom takes Nick into his confidence and to his private apartment for a wild party with his mistress and a few other friends. F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby features a number of minor characters, or characters with only a small part in the story. From an outsider's perspective, it might be hard to recognize just how different Gatsby is from his guests. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. The first time we come across Dr. T.J. Eckleburg and his eerie eyes, we are in the midst of a double whammy of terribleness. He's looking at volume one of Stoddard's Lectures, one of those books nobody reads but claims they have. Try refreshing the page, or contact customer support. Both men want something unreachable, and both imbue ordinary objects with overwhelming amounts of meaning. Our summaries and analyses are written by experts, and your questions are answered by real teachers. "You can't judge a book by its cover" is inverted--he sees inside the book but not inside its owner. Here, though, both of those meanings don't quite apply, and the word is used sarcastically. Klipspringer was no different. He treasured knowledge more than money. Briefly describe Catherine Sister of Myrtle Wilson who is aware of her sister's secret life and willing to partake of its benefits. I'm trying to show how this can both make him a good and bad person. Nick finds Owl Eyes looking through Gatsby's library, astonished that the books are real. Nick and Gatsby connect because they share a common past: the war. Tom Buchanan's superciliousnesslater described as "paternal contempt"along with his aggressive appearance and apparent physical power seems to represent an arrogant and potentially hostile upper class. In a way, the billboard does what Nick could never dobe a completely impartial, completely objective observer of the events around it. He represents all of the people that take advantage of Gatsby's generosity. Our citation format in this guide is (chapter.paragraph). Many people's inhibitions drop when they are drunk, therefore, he may be telling a truthful tale after all of the potential lies readers have read throughout the beginning of the chapter. Klipspringer is described by Nick as a, "slightly worn young man with shell-rimmed glasses and scanty blonde hair". Klipspringer appears before the trio in a disheveled and slightly disoriented state. Owl Eyes is a character in The Great Gatsby who is surprised to find out that Gatsbys book is actually real and not just a figment of his imagination. He was in the library because he wants to discover the truth about Gatsby while other guests are very busy with silly rumors about Gatsby. Understand the significance of these characters and examine how Gatsby is different from his guests. Nick Caraway serves as a confidant and connector to the other main characters. He sees things that others miss. Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you Minor Characters in The Great Gatsby: Character List & Analysis, The Great Gatsby | Summary, Themes & Plot, Conflict in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald | Internal & External Conflicts, Love in The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald | Theme & Analysis, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald | Characters & Characterization, The Great Gatsby Chapter 5 | Summary, Significance & Quotes, The Great Gatsby Time Period, Overview & History | Defining the Great Gatsby Era, F. Scott Fitzgerald | Education, Biography & Works, Modernism in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald | Examples & Analysis, Literary Devices in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald | Examples & Analysis, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald | Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis, Important Events in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald | Timeline & Facts, Tone in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald | Overview & Quotes, Ending of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald | Quotes & Analysis, West Egg in The Great Gatsby | Location, Symbolism & Description, Literary Criticism of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald | Overview & Analysis, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald | Background & Influences, Study.com ACT® English Test Section: Prep & Practice, Study.com ACT® Reading Test Section: Prep & Practice, ILTS English Language Arts (207): Test Practice and Study Guide, Study.com ACT® Test Prep: Help and Review, AP English Literature: Homeschool Curriculum, DSST Technical Writing: Study Guide & Test Prep, Create an account to start this course today. F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote four main characters into his novel, 'The Great Gatsby.' In The Great Gatsby, in the middle of a strange, gray landscape, hovers a giant billboard of eyes without a facethe eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg. Refine any search. While he is drunk during the discussion about the books, his fascination with the fact that Gatsby has all of those incredible novels is genuine. After moving to West Egg, a fictional area of Long Island that is home to the newly rich, Nick quickly befriends his next-door neighbor, the mysterious Jay Gatsby. Who has the least? Owl Eyes is a man who appears to be in his early fifties, with spectacles perched on his nose. While playing around with word vectors and the "HasProperty" API of conceptnet, I had a bit of fun trying to get the adjectives which commonly describe a word. In the world of The Great Gatsby, there is no moral center. Thanks for clearing that up for me! Rumors fly around about his service in the army, his education at Oxford, and his business. Although numerous people attend his parties, none of them truly know who he is. Describing Words. He is also extremely drunk during this exchange, hoping that spending time in the library will sober him up, though that clearly ends up not working when he crashes his car after the party. This is the reason why the man with the spectacles is so surprised that the books are actually genuine. 2015, https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/chapter-three-great-gatsby-why-does-owl-eyed-man-306088.