Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby outward appearances are essential. They provide a glimpse at the artificial world inhabited by Jay Gatsby, a product of his own imagination(Lehan,”the road to West Egg” 29) and Daisy Fay Buchanan, the embodiment of glamour and wealth (Brewley 44), two characters whose action thoroughly develops the plot, and two who have become so consumed by the image they have created that they do not truly know their own identities. This deceptiveness created by outward appearances is seen no more clearly than in the pictures painted by Fitzgerald of Gatsby’s “bewildering parties” (E.K. 7), and in his business dealings which are connected with the “underworld bond and brokerage business” (Lehan). The valley of ashes, “where all hopes must be left behind”(long 123), and the grand mansions of Gatsby and the Buchanans also offer the reader a look at the massive illusions created by Fitzgerald’s characters. As the Great Gatsby progresses, the outward appearances of events, places and people can prove to be very deceptive.What more can explify the importance of outward appearances than the parties of the roaring twenties and Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. The first three chapters of the novel are devoted to party scenes; 1) the “proper dinner party” at the Buchanan’s in East Egg; 2) the wild drunken party at Tom and Myrtle’s apartment in New York; and, 3) Gatsby’s extravagant party in West Egg. These scenes introduce all of the important characters and places in the novel, as to give the impression of artificially (Miller 107). Each of these parties emphasizes the impression or outward appearance each character hopes to convey to others. This is seen most vividly, long after he is sickened by the familiarity of Gatsby’s uninvited guests (Ornstein 54). Jay Gatsby “dispenses hospitality with ...
