To What Extent Is Nick 'Honest' in the Great Gatsby? Essay Example
Nick describes himself as “honest” but in the final chapter Jordan Baker disagrees’. To what extent does Fitzgerald portray Nick as honest? Assess whether the reader is supposed to believe that Nick is “honest”?
The ‘honest’ narrator Nick is far from truthful. Created as a pseudo-alias to reflect Fitzgerald’s own ideals, Nick represents a slightly more sober and realistic view of the grossly decadent world he lives is. Although this may not be entirely free of bias, the character is level-headed, continuously reflecting on his judgements, meaning that the reader is likely to accept his view point over everyone else’s. Although, contradictions make it hard to fully trust Nick’s outlook.
In chapter one of the Great Gatsby Nick declares that he is inclined to “reserve all judgements”. However, he goes on to continuously contradict himself for the continuation of the novel. For example, he states that “There is no confusion like the confusion of a simple mind”, in reference to Tom, calling him stupid. This causes the reader to question the validity of Nick’s opinion, and therefore the basis of the entire novel’s perspective.
The luxury of alcohol is very apparent throughout the book. During the party at Myrtle Wilson’s, Tom’s mistress, residence, Nick gets drunk, as do the other guests. Nick then admits that “I'd been drunk just twice in my life and the second time was that afternoon”. Although this should make the reader question the legitimacy of his observations, it only goes to reflect the morality of his character. This then persuades the audience to trust Nick’s opinions, as, since he is such a moral & clean-cut character, his viewpoint must, also, be honest and true.
Furthermore, the contrast between Nick and his peers is extremely apparent. Since we learn that Nick himself is from “the valley of the ashes”, the reader automatically assumes that he is a realistic and honest narrator. This is because, unlike the dishonourable and superficial attitudes of
The ‘honest’ narrator Nick is far from truthful. Created as a pseudo-alias to reflect Fitzgerald’s own ideals, Nick represents a slightly more sober and realistic view of the grossly decadent world he lives is. Although this may not be entirely free of bias, the character is level-headed, continuously reflecting on his judgements, meaning that the reader is likely to accept his view point over everyone else’s. Although, contradictions make it hard to fully trust Nick’s outlook.
In chapter one of the Great Gatsby Nick declares that he is inclined to “reserve all judgements”. However, he goes on to continuously contradict himself for the continuation of the novel. For example, he states that “There is no confusion like the confusion of a simple mind”, in reference to Tom, calling him stupid. This causes the reader to question the validity of Nick’s opinion, and therefore the basis of the entire novel’s perspective.
The luxury of alcohol is very apparent throughout the book. During the party at Myrtle Wilson’s, Tom’s mistress, residence, Nick gets drunk, as do the other guests. Nick then admits that “I'd been drunk just twice in my life and the second time was that afternoon”. Although this should make the reader question the legitimacy of his observations, it only goes to reflect the morality of his character. This then persuades the audience to trust Nick’s opinions, as, since he is such a moral & clean-cut character, his viewpoint must, also, be honest and true.
Furthermore, the contrast between Nick and his peers is extremely apparent. Since we learn that Nick himself is from “the valley of the ashes”, the reader automatically assumes that he is a realistic and honest narrator. This is because, unlike the dishonourable and superficial attitudes of