Why Nick? Fitzgerald could have chosen any perspective for his novel, but he chose first person narration, and he developed Nick Carraway. Why? Based on what you’ve read so far, what do you think Nick’s role is?
Answer: Nick is involved in the story, but not in the major conflict. He also provides a rather good description of Gatsby.
Explanation:
<em>The Great Gatsby</em> by F. Scott Fitzgerald is told by Nick Carraway, in first person point of view. First person perspective is characterized by the usage of word 'I' and not knowing what other characters are thinking unless they tell us.
Nick is a perfect narrator for this story - a seemingly invisible character who is greatly involved in the story but not in the main events. He socializes with all the main characters and is very friendly, but remains out of the drama. Moreover, Nick perfectly describes the character of Gatsby, which is probably his main role as a narrator. He recognizes all the positive and negative traits of his personality - his generosity but also his naivety. It is interesting to note that Nick himself mentions that Gatsby is a person he would normally hate, due to his wealth and luxurious lifestyle. Nick's willingness to look beneath the surface makes him a good narrator.
What is Fitzgerald suggesting through Nick’s narration?
Answer: He is suggesting that we should never judge people too hastily.
Explanation:
Nick's narration is devoid of all the judgement, and at the beginning of the novel, he himself claims that he is "inclined to reserve all judgments." Nick, of course, disapproves of certain actions of both Gatsby and the Buchanans , but his tolerant nature is always present. Through Nick's character, Fitzgerald expresses his own opinion and suggests that we should not judge others too easily. Fitzgerald is a man who has met many people from different surroundings - he was a part of the intellectual elite. This novel portrays the superficiality of the Roaring Twenties, but at the same time, reminds us to be less judgmental.
Can we trust Nick?
Answer: Nick proves to be a reliable narrator throughout the most of the book. Therefore, we should trust him.
Explanation:
Although the critics often have different opinions regarding the reliability of Nick as a narrator, the majority agree that he is trustworthy. Nick tries to be as truthful as possible, while his ability to reserve judgement also builds trust between him and the readers. He, naturally, brings certain biases to the story (for instance, his sympathy for Gatsby), but not intentionally. He does not lie to the readers on purpose, nor does his account of the events contradict other character's accounts.
