F. Scott Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby :: essays research papers

Nick Carraways Look at ManNick Carraway, the first character introduced in Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby, is primarily acts as the guide and pathfinder he relates the story from what others have told him. He strives at all times to be objective, and his comments are balanced. His amusingly contemptuous remarks show his sense of humor, and although he is straight-laced, he does not bore the reader. Nick is introduced directly, but Gatsby remains a distant character for a replete(p) while. The establishment of Nicks reflective, tolerant personality is essential, as are his limitations, so the reader doesnt just dismiss him as Fitzgeralds mouthpiece. The fact that he disapproves of Gatsby so early on helps the reader to go along with his judgments when he tells of Gatsby and unfolds the story. The first mysterious glimpse of Gatsby prepares the reader for much of what is to come. The imagery of silhouette, moonlight, and phantasm in this passage prepares the reader for Gatsbys shado wy, dark character. Many more of his actions appear to the reader, and Nick, as curious. The fact he is trembling shows he is intense in his emotions-- and none of this is for show Gatsby believes he is alone. His concentration on the single green light represents his determination to succeed, his constant drive everything is designed so he butt be with Daisy. He then vanishes echoing the end of the book. Nick is unlike the other characters of the book he is not one of the careless people. He has a conscience, he is not selfish-- he has decency, which is well demonstrated in his efforts for Gatsbys funeral. His down-to-earth character shows how superficial Daisy and Tom are. They are ruthlessly practical, where as Gatsby is a hopeless dreamer. Nick guides the reader between these two extremes while remaining a detached observer whilst being involved in the action-- I was at bottom and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life.Nicks aim to be truthful and objective makes the reader trust him. When Nick says Gatsby has a rare smile with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, the reader knows his riches or parties, but is telling it to the reader straight arent captivate Nick. His contempt for much of what Gatsby says, but also Nicks tolerance, is emphasized when Nick doesnt mock him-- I lived . .