Final answer:
Nick's observation implies that the party guests behaved in an unbridled and spirited manner, akin to how one might behave at an amusement park, seeking both thrill and escape from the constraints of their routine life.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nick's comment that the people at the party 'conducted themselves according to the rules of behavior associated with an amusement park' suggests that the behavior of the guests was playful, unrestrained, and perhaps somewhat chaotic. In the context of amusement parks during the time period referenced, this means the guests likely engaged in activities that provided them with visceral thrills and a chance to escape from the more rigid structures of everyday life.
The passage provides insight into the appeal of amusement parks, which offered a stark contrast to the controlled environments of work and daily life, where emotions and impulses would have been kept in check. Thus, it implies the guests of the party were enjoying themselves with a sense of abandon, much like visitors to an amusement park would while experiencing the thrilling attractions.
The guests' conduct aligns with the period's fascination with new forms of entertainment that allowed people to experience novel sensations and momentarily stray from the social norms, indicating they were in search of a temporary reprieve from their daily routines. It reflects the broader societal desire for escape and entertainment, as symbolized by the rise of leisure spaces like Coney Island.