This novel is rife with varying forms of entertainment: the gypsy’s dance number in chapter 3, the woman in yellow playing the piano (also in chapter 3), and the jazz standards the orchestra plays throughout Gatsby’s parties. Taken collectively, these performances contribute to the air of luxury and privilege that pervades the party scenes. Individually, they give readers a window into life in the Jazz Age, where excessive drinking, partying, and recklessness often led to disaster, as it does in this novel.

Of all the different performances in this novel, the most important are from people pretending to be something or someone they’re not. This could be said of all the guests at Gatsby’s party, who, in attempting to have fun and make connections, pretend to be happier and more successful than many of them actually are. Jordan Baker, for instance, cheated at a pro golf tournament once but still acts like a champion. Nick pretends not to think much of the parties he attends, but that’s all he can write about. And of course Gatsby pretends to be someone greater than he is, even taking the name “Gatsby” to hide his true identity: Jimmy Gatz, the son of farmers from North Dakota.