In Chapter 3, Nick attends one of Gatsby's extravagant parties. This is the first one he has ever been to and he seems to feel a little more out-of-place then usual among the crowd of rich, party-loving strangers. Yet, he also seems to be showing off the fact that he was actually invited by the host, as the majority of the guests just came of their own accord. He happens to find Jordan Baker, whom he met the last time he visited the Buchanans, and decides to stick with her. As Nick makes his way around the party he hears several rumors about Gatsby from the guests who apparently know nothing about him. The rumors include things such as "he killed a man once" and "he was a German spy during the war" (p.44). This makes Nick realize just how little he knows about his neighbor as well; he doubts everything he hears from the other guests.
Although he does not realize who it is at first, Nick finally meets the infamous Gatsby during the party. Gatsby strikes up conversation by saying, "Your face is familiar...Weren't you in the Third Division during the war?" (p.47). Nick answers with an affirmative and continues talking with the coincidental comrade for awhile. When Nick starts telling the man how he was invited by "this man Gatsby's chauffeur," the man looks at him with an expression of confusion before suddenly saying, "I'm Gatsby" (p.48). This starts the unusual relationship that Gatsby and Nick share-- a relationship where one side has something of a reverential obsession with the other, and the other needs the help of the first.
In addition, after having a brief relationship with a girl from Jersey City, Nick starts going out with Jordan, as is encouraged by the Buchanans. He is attracted to her, despite her dishonesty, and makes the remark that: "Every one suspects himself of at least one of the cardinal virtues, and this is mine: I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known" (p.59).
Although he does not realize who it is at first, Nick finally meets the infamous Gatsby during the party. Gatsby strikes up conversation by saying, "Your face is familiar...Weren't you in the Third Division during the war?" (p.47). Nick answers with an affirmative and continues talking with the coincidental comrade for awhile. When Nick starts telling the man how he was invited by "this man Gatsby's chauffeur," the man looks at him with an expression of confusion before suddenly saying, "I'm Gatsby" (p.48). This starts the unusual relationship that Gatsby and Nick share-- a relationship where one side has something of a reverential obsession with the other, and the other needs the help of the first.
In addition, after having a brief relationship with a girl from Jersey City, Nick starts going out with Jordan, as is encouraged by the Buchanans. He is attracted to her, despite her dishonesty, and makes the remark that: "Every one suspects himself of at least one of the cardinal virtues, and this is mine: I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known" (p.59).