At the party the guests marvel at his Rolls Royce and his swimming pool. He wants the attention of all these people. This is a side of him that enjoys the way an American should. While visiting the house, Nick wanders into the library and meets Owl Eyes, who notes that none of the books have been cut. Books back then had the pages taped together at the top and when someone read the books, they had to cut each page. All of this shows that Gatsby is trying to use his money to buy his happiness and the love of many others, although he really only has one person in mind. He is truly living what would be today's version of the dream life. The lavish items he buys are not for his happiness, however, he is trying to attract Daisy. His house was chosen solely because it is directly across the bay from Daisy's house. At night his house can be seen by the flashing green light at the end of the pier. The green light is a recurring symbol in the book and it is stated that "In his private world the past and future can be held captive in the present" (Fitzgerald 117). The green light symbolizes Gatsby's attempt to recover his past love