The Great Gatsby Example #2 Essay Example

the anchor due to his stability.

The character of Nick Carraway stands out in the novel due to his honesty, selflessness and courteous behavior - traits that are noticeably absent in others. He is unique as he does not face continuous problems in his life, which makes him a trusted confidant for many. One such person is Jay Gatsby, a man who is plagued with numerous troubles and harbors intense affection for Daisy - Carraway's cousin already involved with someone else- frequently seeks advice from Nick. After relocating to an apartment next to Gatsby’s opulent home, Nick establishes a companionship with him.

Fitzgerald's choice of making Nick Carraway as the primary confidant in the novel is rooted in shaping perception. Without viewing Gatsby through Nick's perspective, the reader would likely regard him as a morally compromised individual attempting to disrupt the life of a former lover. This interpretation, however, is not what Fitzgerald desired his readers to comprehend. By establishing Nick Carraway as the confidant, Fitzgerald enables the reader to perceive Gatsby as more than an unscrupulous character – indeed, more of a decent man – thereby eliciting sympathy for Gatsby and enhancing the readers' comprehension of his character.