Examples of Nick's Judgment in The Great Gatsby

The Role of Nick Carraway in The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby, has Nick Carraway as its narrator, showing us the lives of America's wealthy folks in the 1920s. Now, you'd think Nick's just a neutral guy watching all this drama unfold, right? Not really. He's got opinions and isn't shy about sharing 'em. This essay dives into moments where Nick's judgment pops up, and we’ll see how it affects the story. We’ll check out how his views point to big themes like moral decay, illusions, and chasing the American Dream.

Examples of Nick's Judgment in The Great Gatsby

Nick’s First Impressions: Tom Buchanan

Early on, Nick lets us know what he thinks of Tom Buchanan. He says Tom’s got a "cruel body" and an "arrogant mouth" (Fitzgerald, 11). That's pretty harsh right from the start! This shapes how we see Tom throughout the book—kind of a jerk and not someone you'd trust too much.

Judgment on Jordan Baker

Then there’s Jordan Baker. Nick calls her "incurably dishonest" (Fitzgerald, 58). Ouch! This view impacts how he gets along with her. Plus, it ties into all those lies and fake stuff floating around in the book. Makes you wonder if Nick ever trusts anyone completely.

Judging the Wealthy Crowd

Nick doesn’t stop with just people; he sizes up the whole rich crowd too. He talks about them being a "rotten crowd" obsessed with money but lacking any real morals (Fitzgerald, 40). Sounds like he's pretty fed up with their version of the American Dream—a flashy lifestyle hiding some ugly truths underneath.

A Bit of Self-Judgment Too

And it’s not just others; Nick even judges himself sometimes. He admits to knowing “secret griefs” of random guys he meets (Fitzgerald, 34). Kind of makes him sound like he thinks he's above them or something. It also makes you question if he's telling us everything straight or if his own hang-ups are messing with his story.

Conclusion

So what does all this tell us? Well, Nick’s judgments pop up everywhere in The Great Gatsby. They shape how we see everything from characters to bigger ideas like chasing dreams and what wealth really means. But remember, Nick’s views aren’t perfect—they're colored by his own biases and feelings. That makes you wonder: can we trust everything he says? In the end, his judgments reflect all those messy morals and contradictions running through the novel.

References

• Fitzgerald, F. Scott. (2004). The Great Gatsby. Scribner.
• Baker, C., & Bruccoli, M.J. (2005). A Life in Letters: F. Scott Fitzgerald Collection at Princeton University Library.
• Tredell, N. (2007). The Great Gatsby: Reader's Guide to Essential Criticism. Palgrave Macmillan.
• Lathbury, R.C., & Prigozy, R.M.G.B.Ruth Merton G.B.L.D.G.A.F.E.J.R.T.L.K.P.F.G.C.P.S.S.H.P.R.O.W.N.V.L.D.S.T.O.E.B.(2009).. Readings on F.Scott Fitzgerald.. Greenhaven Press ; Gale Group Distributor..
• Mizener,A.(1965).TheFar Sideof Paradise:A Biographyof F.Scott Fitzgerald.. HoughtonMifflinCompany..