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  • Essay / Why is Nick an unreliable narrator in "The Great Gatsby"

    Table of ContentsIntroductionBodyConclusionThroughout F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby", the reader experiences the story through Nick's eyes Carraway, the narrator. However, it becomes apparent that Nick's narration is not entirely reliable. This essay aims to explore why Nick may be biased in his portrayal of Jay Gatsby, the novel's enigmatic protagonist. By analyzing various examples and providing evidence from the text, it will become apparent that Nick's subjective perspective and personal biases hinder his ability to provide an objective portrayal of Gatsby. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayIntroductionFrom the beginning of the novel, Nick Carraway presents himself as an honest and trustworthy narrator. However, it is essential to question the reliability of his account. Although Nick's perspective offers the reader a glimpse into the world of the elite and their extravagant lifestyles, it is important to recognize that his narrative may be colored by his personal biases and limited understanding. This essay will argue that Nick's unreliability stems from his own subjective experiences, resulting in a biased portrayal of Jay Gatsby. BodyParagraph 1: One of the key instances where Nick's bias becomes evident is his first impression of Gatsby. Nick describes Gatsby as "the most hopeful person he ever met" (Fitzgerald, 6), giving him an almost mythical status. However, it is important to consider Nick's journey and his own aspirations. Growing up in the Midwest, Nick was always fascinated by the rich and their opulent lifestyles. This fascination could have clouded his judgment and led him to idealize Gatsby, projecting his own desires onto him. Therefore, Nick's initial portrayal of Gatsby may lack objectivity due to his personal biases.Paragraph 2: Additionally, Nick's relationship with Gatsby is built on a foundation of friendship, which further influences his point of view. view. Throughout the novel, Nick becomes emotionally invested in Gatsby's life and his pursuit of Daisy Buchanan. This emotional involvement is evident when Nick exclaims, "They're a rotten crowd... You're worth the whole damn bunch put together" (Fitzgerald, 162). Such a statement reveals Nick's loyalty and support for Gatsby, blurring the line between objective narration and personal bias. Therefore, the reader is left to question the accuracy of Nick's description of Gatsby's actions and motivations.Paragraph 3: Another factor contributing to Nick's unreliability is his tendency to withhold information. At several points in the novel, Nick admits to distributing information selectively. He admits: “I am one of the few honest people I have ever known” (Fitzgerald, 59). This admission raises doubts about the completeness and transparency of his account. By selectively presenting information, Nick shapes the reader's perception of the characters, including Gatsby. Therefore, the reader must consider the possibility that Nick's omissions and manipulations are motivated by his own biases and desire to control the narrative.Paragraph 4: Additionally, Nick's moral compass and critical nature contribute to his portrayal biased Gatsby. Nick frequently criticizes the actions and behaviors of those around him, including Gatsby. He calls Gatsby a “smuggler” (Fitzgerald, 61) and condemns his extravagant evenings as a “circus” (Fitzgerald, 40). These judgments reflect the person's own values ​​and beliefs.,, 1925.