Truth of the Eye In chapter 3 of The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Owl Eyes discovers the legitimacy of Gatsby books symbolizing the constancy of the watchful eye and illustrating the ironic clash between reality and deception. Fitzgerald uses eyes as a fundamental symbol throughout the novel to demonstrate that all actions are observed by others. Owl Eyes is a character who Immediately realizes that Gatsby Is 'a regular Balance' (Fitzgerald 45) putting on a show.
Just like Balance, a theatrical producer, Gatsby uses flamboyant illusions to fool the public eyes. Owl Eyes is described as, '[a] stout, middle-aged man, with enormous owl-eyed spectacles... ' (Fitzgerald 45), who unveils a bit of knowledge regarding Gatsby. Gatsby extravagant lifestyle leads Owl Eyes to ascertain that Gatsby is a fake. In Owl Eyes efforts to confirm his hypothesis, he snoops through Gatsby library. Not only does Owl Eyes' discovery of Gatsby facade show that the public is aware of his phony life, but his name also symbolizes this truth.
It is also important to note that an owl represents wisdom and knowledge, implying that Fitzgerald naming of this character was not accidental. Owl Eyes uncovers a major fact about Gatsby proving that his watchers are not as ignorant as he believes. Owl Eyes was convinced the books would be fictitious, but to his astonishment, 'they [were] real' (Fitzgerald 45). He has always perceived Gatsby as an artificial being. But he was astounded by Gatsby realism and thoroughness of his fabricated life. Ironically, Owl Eyes, a character who is portrayed as a man with thick, large glasses ND awful eyesight.
Is able to clearly see the reality of Gatsby. Gatsby TLD Just want wealth and power, but he 'wanted to recover something, that had gone into loving Daisy. His life had been confused and disordered' (Fitzgerald 110). Gatsby had exorbitant parties only to gain attention of his past lover Daisy. Gatsby lifestyle reveals the emptiness of the upper class society, caring about nothing but money and authority. Owl Eyes' discovery of the authenticity of Gatsby books significantly impacts the overall plot of The Great Gatsby.
The book Is not a narrative of the sublime lifestyles of the rich. It is instead about dwelling beyond appearances. Fitzgerald use of irony emphasizes the importance of Owl Eyes. Owl Eyes questioned Gatsby--let was a significant event that was outside the bounds of the continuance of ostentatious life styles. Owl Eyes realized that Gatsby was unaware of other important aspect of life such as love. The rich are always relaxed and power hungry, but Owl Eyes is the first to look beyond the visage of the rich and conclude that Gatsby is nothing but a lie. Immediately realizes that Gatsby is 'a regular Balance' (Fitzgerald 45) putting on a Gatsby library. Not only does Owl Eyes' discovery of Gatsby fade show that the [were] real' (Fitzgerald 45). He has always perceived Gatsby as an artificial being, but and awful eyesight, is able to clearly see the reality of Gatsby. Gatsby didn't Just want exorbitant parties only to gain attention of his past lover Daisy.
Author: Marshall Vasquez