Owl Eyes: The Watchful Observer in "The Great Gatsby"

F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" is a rich tapestry of symbols and motifs, each carefully woven to reveal deeper truths about the characters and the society they inhabit. Among the novel's colorful ensemble, there’s a peculiar character who is often overlooked despite the insight he offers: the enigmatic figure known only as "Owl Eyes."

On the surface, Owl Eyes might seem like a minor character, merely one of the many partygoers who frequent Gatsby’s opulent soirees.

However, a closer examination of his interactions and, more notably, his observations, showcase his significance in the narrative. His presence, while fleeting, holds a mirror to the illusions and facades present within the world of Jay Gatsby.

When Nick Carraway, our narrator, first encounters Owl Eyes in Gatsby’s library, the latter is engrossed in the books lining the walls. But Owl Eyes isn’t merely admiring the titles; he's genuinely surprised to find that the books are real.

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This moment is poignant, shedding light on a common perception about Gatsby: everything around him must be an illusion, a prop to bolster his carefully curated image. But as Owl Eyes discovers, and what he makes Nick and the readers realize, is that there is an element of authenticity to Gatsby amid the deception.

The moniker "Owl Eyes" itself is symbolic. Owls, through various cultures and myths, are often seen as creatures of wisdom, with an ability to see what remains hidden in the darkness. In the context of the novel, Owl Eyes becomes the observant spectator, discerning truths that are often overlooked by others.

While the rest of the partygoers are swept up in the hedonism of the Roaring Twenties, Owl Eyes remains a step removed, always watching.

His attendance at Gatsby's funeral is another telling moment. Among all the individuals who benefited from Gatsby's lavish parties, very few, including his so-called "close friends," paid their last respects. But Owl Eyes did. His presence at the funeral wasn't just a nod to his genuine appreciation for Gatsby but also a critique of the shallow, self-centered society that used Gatsby for his wealth and discarded him once he was no longer of use.

Owl Eyes’s comments on the nature of reality versus illusion find a climax in the car crash scene involving Tom Buchanan's mistress. As he observes the wrecked vehicle, Owl Eyes murmurs, "I've been drunk for about a week now, and I thought it might sober me up to sit in a library." This line, while humorous on the surface, is a somber reflection of the pervasive disillusionment and despair that hides beneath the glittering surface of the Jazz Age. The continuous escapism through alcohol, parties, and indulgences is but a fleeting remedy, and sobriety brings back the grim truths of existence.

In many ways, Owl Eyes is Fitzgerald's own voice in the narrative, an authorial presence that comments on the events without directly influencing them. He perceives the duality of Gatsby’s world, where reality mingles with illusion, and authenticity is a rare gem. Through Owl Eyes, Fitzgerald reminds readers to remain observant, to look beyond the obvious, and to recognize the genuine amidst the pretense.

In concluding, Owl Eyes might not have the page presence of Gatsby, Daisy, or Tom, but his role in "The Great Gatsby" is undeniably crucial. He provides a lens, much like his symbolic spectacles, to view the world of West Egg with a clarity that few characters possess. Through his watchful gaze, Fitzgerald communicates the deeper themes of perception, illusion, and the quest for authenticity in a world riddled with pretense.