One of the most famous lines about Gatsby's parties belongs to Jordan Baker, who tells Nick: "Anyhow, he gives large parties...And I like large parties. They're so intimate. At small parties there isn't any privacy." This is a key detail, because it allows Gatsby to, just moments later, sweep her aside privately to discuss his plans for reuniting with Daisy. (Remember, when Nick attended the small party at the apartment with Myrtle and Tom, he had nowhere to escape their intimate moments or their bloody fight.)
Another important detail is that Gatsby remains sober at his own parties while the rest of his guests indulge in alcohol to excess, engaging in all manner of immoral behavior. For example, Nick notes: "Most of the remaining women were now having fights with men said to be their husbands." The implication here is that the men have been flirting - or worse - with other women at the party while drinking heavily. Yet Gatsby does not drink and, in fact, Nick notes that "it seemed to me that he grew more correct as the fraternal hilarity increased." It may be that Gatsby remains ever alert in case Daisy should happen to arrive.
Finally, the gossip about Gatsby is fast and furious during his parties. Is he a German spy? Did he really kill a man once? Why doesn't he want any trouble with anyone? These rumors reach a fever pitch just as Gatsby comes closest to getting what he wants.
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