Ambition and Control: The Complex Character of Nick Carraway in The Great Gatsby

Throughout F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, *The Great Gatsby*, Nick Carraway changes a lot and shows he wants control. Nick, who tells the story and plays a big role in it, seems like he's just watching things happen, but really, he wants to control his life and the lives of others. By looking at Nick's relationships, his role as the narrator, and how he's involved in other people's lives, we see he wants to influence things and keep things stable in the crazy Roaring Twenties. But wanting control leads to him getting disillusioned and realizing he can't control everything.

Nick's need for control shows up in his relationships with other characters. Right from the start, Nick tries to be a reliable and trustworthy narrator, trying to control how the story and characters are seen. He says, "In consequence, I'm inclined to reserve all judgments" (Fitzgerald 1). This shows he wants to control his own biases and judgments.

Nick's relationship with his cousin, Daisy Buchanan, also shows his need for control. Daisy, who stands for wealth and social status, fascinates Nick. He's infatuated with her because she represents the privileged and stable life he wants. Nick says, "I wanted to get up and slap him on the back" (Fitzgerald 8), showing he wants to influence Daisy's choices, even though he knows he can’t really control her.

Nick's role as the narrator also reflects his desire for control. As the storyteller, he can shape events and how characters are seen. By controlling the narrative, Nick tries to create order in a chaotic and unpredictable world.

But Nick's control over the narrative has limits. He's still stuck with the truth and what actually happens. No matter how much he tries to control how characters are seen, the truth about their actions and motivations comes out. This challenges Nick's desire for control and makes him face the limits of his power.

Nick also tries to control other characters' lives. He acts like a confidant and advisor, trying to guide and influence their actions. This shows up in his relationship with Jay Gatsby, the rich and mysterious guy at the center of the story.

Nick becomes Gatsby's close friend and confidant, giving him advice and support. He even sets up a reunion between Gatsby and Daisy, trying to control their relationship and bring stability to Gatsby's life. Nick's actions show he wants to control events and shape the lives of those around him.

Despite Nick's efforts, he realizes he can't control everything. As the story goes on and the true nature of characters is revealed, Nick becomes disillusioned with his ability to control events.

For example, Nick's attempt to control Gatsby's relationship with Daisy ends in tragedy. Gatsby's death and the collapse of his dream of being with Daisy remind Nick of life's unpredictability and the futility of trying to control others' actions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Nick Carraway in *The Great Gatsby* is driven by a desire for control. His relationships, role as the narrator, and involvement in others' lives reflect this desire. But the novel shows the limits of control and the disillusionment that comes with it. Nick's journey is a cautionary tale, reminding us that while we may strive for control, we must also accept life's unpredictability and embrace the unknown.

Bibliography:

Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 2004.