FAQ About The Great Gatsby

The owl-eyed man in "The Great Gatsby" is a minor character, but his presence is significant for a few reasons.

First, the owl-eyed man is one of the few guests at Gatsby's parties who seems to be genuinely interested in Gatsby's books. When Nick meets him in Gatsby's library, the man is amazed that the books are real, and he compliments Gatsby for having such a large collection. This is significant because it suggests that Gatsby's wealth is not just about material possessions; he is also interested in acquiring knowledge and culture.

Second, the owl-eyed man serves as a symbol of the decline of American society. When Nick and Jordan find him in the library, he is drunkenly marveling at the books, saying, "What realism!... Knew when to stop, too - didn't cut the pages." This is a commentary on the state of American culture, which the novel suggests has become increasingly shallow and devoid of substance. The owl-eyed man's admiration for Gatsby's books is ironic because it contrasts with the rest of the guests at the party, who are more interested in gossip and partying than in intellectual pursuits.

Finally, the owl-eyed man's presence at Gatsby's funeral is significant because it suggests that Gatsby's life had more meaning than was apparent to most of the other characters in the novel. The fact that the owl-eyed man, who was a relatively minor character, shows up to pay his respects to Gatsby underscores the idea that Gatsby was a complex and interesting person, despite the superficiality of his lifestyle.