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Essay / Examples of Nick's Judgment in The Great Gatsby
Throughout F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby, the character Nick Carraway serves as narrator and provides insight into the lives of the wealthy elite in 1920s America. However, it becomes apparent that Nick is not simply an impartial observer, but rather a critical individual who forms opinions about the characters and events he encounters. This essay will examine several instances where Nick's judgment is apparent, exploring the implications of his biased perspective and its impact on the overall narrative. Analyzing these examples, it becomes clear that Nick's judgment serves to highlight the themes of moral decadence, delusion, and the pursuit of the American dream in the novel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned"?Get the original essayParagraph 1 - Topic Sentence: One of the first examples of Nick's judgment can be seen in his initial assessment of Tom Buchanan .Supporting Evidence: Nick describes Tom as having a "cruel body" and an "arrogant mouth", immediately casting his character in a negative light (Fitzgerald, 11). Analysis: This judgment of Tom sets the tone for Nick's perception of him throughout the novel, contributing to the overall portrayal of Tom as a morally corrupt and untrustworthy individual.Paragraph 2 - Topic Sentence: Another example Nick's judgment is evident in his assessment of Jordan Baker. Supporting Evidence: Nick calls Jordan "incurably dishonest", emphasizing his skepticism of him. integrity (Fitzgerald, 58).Analysis: This judgment not only shapes Nick's relationship with Jordan, but also highlights the theme of dishonesty and delusion that permeates the novel. This suggests that Nick views the world around him with a critical eye, constantly questioning the authenticity of those he encounters.Paragraph 3 – Topic Sentence: Nick's judgment extends beyond individual characters and also encompasses his perception of wealthy elite society as a whole. Supporting Evidence: Nick calls the upper class a "rotten crowd" and points out their materialistic nature and lack of moral values (Fitzgerald, 40) .Analysis: This judgment reflects Nick's disillusionment with the American dream and his recognition of the moral decadence that is plaguing society. a wealthy elite. This serves to highlight the stark contrast between the opulent lifestyle they lead and the emptiness and corruption that lies beneath the surface.Paragraph 4 – Topic Sentence: Nick's judgment is not limited to the characters he encounter, but also extends to one's own actions and decisions. .Supporting Evidence: Nick confesses to being "aware of the secret sorrows of wild and unknown men", suggesting a sense of superiority and judgment towards those with whom he interacts (Fitzgerald, 34). Analysis: This self-judgment reinforces the theme of moral ambiguity and highlights the idea that no character in the novel is safe from scrutiny. It also raises questions about the reliability of Nick's narration, as his own biases may color his perception of events. Conclusion: In conclusion, Nick Carraway's critical nature is a recurring theme throughout The Great Gatsby. His opinions and evaluations of the characters and society in general contribute to the novel's overall depiction of moral decadence and delusion. Examining the instances where Nick's judgment is evident, it becomes clear that his biases shape the narrative and highlight themes of the pursuit of the American dream and the emptiness of material wealth. However, it is important to recognize that Nick's judgments are not infallible and can be., 2004.