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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 people to tell him their secrets because he is trustworthy, impartial and holds back his judgments. Which is why in the story, so many people open up to him. This impartiality allows the characters in the novel to be open with him, which is a good quality for a narrator, because he has their confidence, ‘Listen, Nick; let me tell you what is said when she was born. Would you like to hear?’ This proves that he is the ideal listener and as such is accepted by the reader. In the opening Nick has returned to the Midwest, and is writing a book about events that occurred during a period that he had spent on the East Coast of America. He begins his narration with some self-analysis, trying to pin down relevant aspects of his own character. He remembers his father’s advice to show tolerance towards others, and to reserve judgment, adding that, ‘Reserving judgments is a matter of infinite hope.’ Here the reader can see that Fitzgerald uses a narrator who is aware of his own limitations, so that it gives the impression that he is not biased. However it does reveal that Nick is privy to intimate revelations and secrets, therefore he can make an analysis on what he has been told. Fitzgerald also says that Nick stands back, so Nick does not allow his own judgment to prejudice his own opinion, which means he is confident in his judgments. Later although Nick describes how scornful he is of certain aspects of Gatsby’s character and behaviour, other attributes of Gatsby’s ‘heightened sensitivity to the promises of life’ and his ‘extraordinary gift of hope’ make the reader aware of Nick’s ability as a narrator to show not only the negative but the positive sides of a character.
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