Topic > Why Nick is an Unreliable Narrator in "The Great Gatsby"

IndexIntroductionBodyConclusion In F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby", the reader is presented with the story through the eyes of Nick Carraway, the narrator. However, it becomes apparent that Nick's narration is not entirely reliable. This essay aims to explore the reasons why Nick might be biased in his portrayal of Jay Gatsby, the enigmatic protagonist of the novel. By analyzing various cases 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 portrait of Gatsby. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Introduction From the beginning of the novel, Nick Carraway presents himself as an honest and reliable narrator. However, it is essential to question the reliability of his narrative. While Nick's perspective offers the reader a glimpse into the world of elites and their extravagant lifestyles, it is important to recognize that his account may be influenced by his personal biases and limited understanding. This essay will argue that Nick's unreliability stems from his subjective experiences, resulting in a biased representation of Jay Gatsby. BodyParagraph 1: One of the key instances where Nick's prejudices become apparent is in his initial impression of Gatsby. Nick describes Gatsby as “the most hopeful person I have ever met” (Fitzgerald, 6), giving him an almost mythical status. However, it is important to consider Nick's background and his aspirations. Growing up in the Midwest, Nick has always been 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: Furthermore, Nick's relationship with Gatsby is built on a foundation of friendship, which further influences his perspective. Over the course of the novel, Nick becomes emotionally involved in Gatsby's life and his search for Daisy Buchanan. This emotional involvement is evident when Nick exclaims, “They're a lousy 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 storytelling and personal bias. As a result, the reader must question the accuracy of Nick's portrayal of Gatsby's actions and motivations. Paragraph 3: Another factor that contributes to Nick's unreliability is his tendency to withhold information. Several times in the novel, Nick admits to dispensing information selectively. He confesses, “I am one of the few honest people I have ever known” (Fitzgerald, 59). This admission raises questions about the completeness and transparency of his narrative. By selectively presenting information, Nick shapes the reader's perception of characters, including Gatsby. Therefore, the reader must consider the possibility that Nick's omissions and manipulations are driven by his own prejudices and desire to control the narrative. Paragraph 4: Furthermore, Nick's moral compass and judgmental nature contribute to his biased portrayal of Gatsby. Nick often criticizes the actions and behaviors of those around him, including Gatsby. He labels Gatsby as “a bootlegger” (Fitzgerald, 61) and condemns his extravagant parties as “a circus” (Fitzgerald, 40). These judgments reflect Nick's values ​​and beliefs, which may cloud his ability to represent objectively,, 1925.