Examples of Nick's Judgment in The Great Gatsby

Throughout F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby, the character of Nick Carraway serves as the narrator and provides insight into the lives of the wealthy elite in 1920s America. However, it becomes evident that Nick is not simply an impartial observer, but rather a judgmental individual who forms opinions about the characters and events he encounters. This essay will examine several instances where Nick's judgment is apparent, exploring the implications of his biased perspective and its impact on the overall narrative. By analyzing these examples, it becomes clear that Nick's judgment serves to highlight the themes of moral decay, illusion, and the pursuit of the American Dream in the novel.

Paragraph 1 - Topic Sentence: One of the earliest examples of Nick's judgment can be seen in his initial assessment of Tom Buchanan.

Supporting Evidence: Nick describes Tom as having a "cruel body" and an "arrogant mouth," immediately casting a negative light on his character (Fitzgerald, 11).

Analysis: This judgment of Tom sets the tone for Nick's perception of him throughout the novel, contributing to the overall portrayal of Tom as a morally corrupt and untrustworthy individual.

Paragraph 2 - Topic Sentence: Another instance of Nick's judgment is evident in his assessment of Jordan Baker.

Supporting Evidence: Nick characterizes Jordan as "incurably dishonest," highlighting his skepticism towards her integrity (Fitzgerald, 58).

Analysis: This judgment not only shapes Nick's relationship with Jordan but also underscores the theme of dishonesty and illusion that permeates the novel. It suggests that Nick views the world around him with a critical eye, constantly questioning the authenticity of those he encounters.

Paragraph 3 - Topic Sentence: Nick's judgment extends beyond the individual characters and also encompasses his perception of the entire wealthy elite society.

Supporting Evidence: Nick refers to the upper class as a "rotten crowd" and emphasizes their materialistic nature and lack of moral values (Fitzgerald, 40).

Analysis: This judgment reflects Nick's disillusionment with the American Dream and his recognition of the moral decay that plagues the wealthy elite. It serves to highlight the stark contrast between the opulent lifestyle they lead and the emptiness and corruption that lies beneath the surface.

Paragraph 4 - Topic Sentence: Nick's judgment is not limited to the characters he encounters, but also extends to his own actions and decisions.

Supporting Evidence: Nick confesses to being "privy to the secret griefs of wild, unknown men," suggesting a sense of superiority and judgment towards those with whom he interacts (Fitzgerald, 34).

Analysis: This self-judgment reinforces the theme of moral ambiguity and underscores the idea that no character in the novel is exempt from scrutiny. It also raises questions about the reliability of Nick's narration, as his own biases may color his perception of events.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Nick Carraway's judgmental nature is a recurring theme throughout The Great Gatsby. His opinions and assessments of the characters and society at large contribute to the overall portrayal of moral decay and illusion within the novel. By examining the instances where Nick's judgment is evident, it becomes clear that his biases shape the narrative and highlight the themes of the pursuit of the American Dream and the emptiness of material wealth. However, it is important to recognize that Nick's judgments are not infallible and may be influenced by his own biases and motivations. This raises questions about the reliability of his narration and the true nature of the events that transpire. Ultimately, Nick's judgment serves as a reflection of the moral complexities and contradictions that define the world of The Great Gatsby.

Bibliography:

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