In chapter one of The Great Gatsby, on page one, Nick Carraway informs us that he was raised to reserve judgment when dealing with other people. During the course of this story, will Nick stay true to this philosophy and if so, will it bode any type of positive or negative outcomes for him?
Great question, Nick! He basis this philosophy on his fathers advise, “Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,” he told me, “just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.”
Do others practice this advise? Does this attitude make him a trustworthy narrator? Certainly, by reserving judgement, he less inclined to intervene - making him more passive then other might be. After observing Tom and Daisy, Nick says, "it seemed to me that the thing for Daisy to do was to rush out of the house, child in arms — but apparently there were no such intentions in her head." Sure he thought it was a toxic marriage, but if she wasn't willing to leave him, who was he to intervene.
Also, Nick is the outsider in the story. Sure, all the main characters are from the midwest, but they've been in the East for several years and perhaps their values have changed. Maybe Fitzgerald is commenting on the corrupting nature of the culture in the East.
Right away in the first chapter, Nick starts himself by talking about his dad and what he had learned from his father. He learned from his father to reserve judgment about other people. Will Nick use this theory in a positive or negative way throughout the story as he meets new people?
In chapter one of The Great Gatsby, on page one, Nick Carraway informs us that he was raised to reserve judgment when dealing with other people. During the course of this story, will Nick stay true to this philosophy and if so, will it bode any type of positive or negative outcomes for him?
ReplyDeleteGreat question, Nick! He basis this philosophy on his fathers advise,
ReplyDelete“Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,” he told me, “just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.”
Do others practice this advise? Does this attitude make him a trustworthy narrator? Certainly, by reserving judgement, he less inclined to intervene - making him more passive then other might be.
After observing Tom and Daisy, Nick says, "it seemed to me that the thing for Daisy to do was to rush out of the house, child in arms — but apparently there were no such intentions in her head." Sure he thought it was a toxic marriage, but if she wasn't willing to leave him, who was he to intervene.
Also, Nick is the outsider in the story. Sure, all the main characters are from the midwest, but they've been in the East for several years and perhaps their values have changed. Maybe Fitzgerald is commenting on the corrupting nature of the culture in the East.
Right away in the first chapter, Nick starts himself by talking about his dad and what he had learned from his father. He learned from his father to reserve judgment about other people. Will Nick use this theory in a positive or negative way throughout the story as he meets new people?
ReplyDeleteI think it will show in a positive way because Nick seems to be very proud of what he as learned from his father.
DeleteI agree, Amber - but as we read on, is Nick judgmental in his thoughts? In his words? Both?
ReplyDeleteJordan knows that Tom is talking to his mistress oh the phone. Does Daisy know who it is?
ReplyDelete