Question

What has the owl-eyed man figured out about Gatsby's books? What might this symbolize? Answer this question in 4-6 sentences, and use one MLA-formatted quote (anchored and cited) to give evidence for your answer.

a) The owl-eyed man discovered that the books were fake, symbolizing Gatsby's facade.

b) The owl-eyed man revealed the true value of Gatsby's literature, symbolizing hidden depth.

c) The owl-eyed man found Gatsby's books to be genuine, symbolizing authenticity.

d) The owl-eyed man unveiled Gatsby's literary prowess, symbolizing intellectual richness.

Answer 1

In "The Great Gatsby," the owl-eyed man's discovery of Gatsby's books being fake underscores the symbolism of Gatsby's facade. Thus correct option is a) The owl-eyed man discovered that the books were fake, symbolizing Gatsby's facade.

Step-by-step explanation:

In "The Great Gatsby," the owl-eyed man's discovery of Gatsby's books being fake underscores the symbolism of Gatsby's facade. The moment occurs during one of Gatsby's extravagant parties when the man marvels at the realness of Gatsby's library, only to find the books to be uncut, indicating they're purely ornamental. This symbolizes Gatsby's constructed persona, his attempt to create an image of sophistication and wealth that lacks genuine substance.

The man's amazement and subsequent realization align with the overarching theme of appearance versus reality in the novel. Gatsby's outward display of opulence and literary refinement masks his lack of genuine depth, mirroring the glittering but hollow nature of the Jazz Age itself. The books, mere props, echo Gatsby's own life—a dazzling surface hiding a fabricated truth, emblematic of the era's materialistic and superficial culture.