Character Trait Analysis: Nick Carraway and Jordan Baker from the Great Gatsby
CHARACTER TRAIT ANALYSIS : NICK CARRAWAY AND JORDAN BAKER
By Laurentia Editha 11 IB 1 / 8
In the book, two characters named Nick Carraway and Jordan Baker were introduced. These two characters then slowly grow into being each other’s love interest, but despite this, they are very opposite to each other. The most evident difference may be noticed from how they behave. Jordan, being a more buoyant and sanguine female character, often shows rudeness in certain circumstances. Such example is when she eavesdrops Daisy and Tom’s conversation, being described by Nick: “…[Miss Baker] sat up alertly and said “sh!” in a warning voice. A subdued impassioned murmur was audible in the room beyond and Miss Baker leaned forward unashamed, trying to hear”. (Fitzgerald, 14). Nick uses the word “unashamed” to explain Jordan’s attitude on her doing, showing that she has no consciousness or guilt whatsoever of her fault. Nick, however, differs completely from this trait of Jordan’s. Nick is a collected man, very calm, and is perfectly able to control his behaviour. He is in natured a well-mannered gentleman, and is shown by saying this: “[Nick] wanted to explain that [Nick has] hunted for him early in the evening, and to apologize for not having known him in the garden” (Fitzgerald, 52). This reaction refers to when invited to join Gatsby’s party, Nick is unable to find him despite his effort to do so, and also to when Nick fails to rezognize Gatsby and the possibility that he might insult him by judging that Gatsby is not a very good host. He instantly felt guilt and still feels an apology is required, even though Gatsby already mention that it was alright. These two traits remained with the character throughout the book, even though Nick undergoes several personality changes (he becomes more brave in uttering his feelings, still in a mannerly way). So from these two evidence it is plain to see how these two characters are very much
By Laurentia Editha 11 IB 1 / 8
In the book, two characters named Nick Carraway and Jordan Baker were introduced. These two characters then slowly grow into being each other’s love interest, but despite this, they are very opposite to each other. The most evident difference may be noticed from how they behave. Jordan, being a more buoyant and sanguine female character, often shows rudeness in certain circumstances. Such example is when she eavesdrops Daisy and Tom’s conversation, being described by Nick: “…[Miss Baker] sat up alertly and said “sh!” in a warning voice. A subdued impassioned murmur was audible in the room beyond and Miss Baker leaned forward unashamed, trying to hear”. (Fitzgerald, 14). Nick uses the word “unashamed” to explain Jordan’s attitude on her doing, showing that she has no consciousness or guilt whatsoever of her fault. Nick, however, differs completely from this trait of Jordan’s. Nick is a collected man, very calm, and is perfectly able to control his behaviour. He is in natured a well-mannered gentleman, and is shown by saying this: “[Nick] wanted to explain that [Nick has] hunted for him early in the evening, and to apologize for not having known him in the garden” (Fitzgerald, 52). This reaction refers to when invited to join Gatsby’s party, Nick is unable to find him despite his effort to do so, and also to when Nick fails to rezognize Gatsby and the possibility that he might insult him by judging that Gatsby is not a very good host. He instantly felt guilt and still feels an apology is required, even though Gatsby already mention that it was alright. These two traits remained with the character throughout the book, even though Nick undergoes several personality changes (he becomes more brave in uttering his feelings, still in a mannerly way). So from these two evidence it is plain to see how these two characters are very much