Final answer:
Jay Gatsby does not actively participate in his parties; he observes from a distance with the hope of attracting Daisy Buchanan. He remains aloof and detached during the events, which underscores the novel's themes of isolation and the emptiness of the Jazz Age.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks whether Gatsby actively participates in his parties from F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby." The correct answer is B) No, he observes from a distance.
Throughout the novel, it's noted that Jay Gatsby tends to remain aloof during his lavish parties. He throws these extravagant events with the hope of attracting Daisy Buchanan, his long-lost love, rather than to actively socialize and participate.
While the festivities carry on, Gatsby usually does not mingle with his guests. Instead, he watches them, mostly detached, seeking any sign of Daisy. This behavior aligns with one of the central themes of the novel, highlighting the empty opulence of the Jazz Age and Gatsby's isolation despite his outward appearance of success.