Gatsby

Examine the opening of ‘The Great Gatsby’ show how Fitzgerald establishes the character of Nick Carraway as the narrator of the novel. What particular qualities does Fitzgerald create for his narrator?

Fitzgerald decided to employ a narrator who was a participant in the story, but was more an observer than an actor. This creates a complex point of view, which involves us, as readers, in acts of interpretation, which eventually lets us make judgments about the narrator. The qualities that Fitzgerald has given to the narrator, Nick Carraway, are those of a privileged background. But from the advice that was given to him by his father, this makes him aware that some people may not have the same privileges and opportunities as himself, which allows him to make good judgments, for example, ‘In consequence, I’m inclined to reserve all judgments.’ So from this the reader can see that he looks at all sides of opinions, and does not make snap decisions, which allows peopl...