Examples of Nick's Judgment in The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, unfolds through the eyes of Nick Carraway, a young man from the Midwest who becomes entangled in the lives of New York’s elite during the roaring 1920s. While Nick initially presents himself as an impartial observer, his narrative is laced with judgments and opinions that deeply influence how readers perceive the characters and themes. His perspective sheds light on moral decay, disillusionment, and the futility of chasing the American Dream—key motifs in the novel. This essay explores instances where Nick’s perception colors the narrative and examines how his judgments contribute to the story’s broader commentary.

Instances of Nick’s Perception in The Great Gatsby

Nick’s First Impressions: Tom Buchanan

From the moment Tom Buchanan is introduced, Nick’s judgment is apparent. Describing Tom as having a “cruel body” and an “arrogant mouth” (Fitzgerald, 11), Nick immediately establishes Tom as an overbearing and untrustworthy figure. These harsh descriptions influence how readers view Tom throughout the novel—as a symbol of brute force and the toxic arrogance of inherited wealth. Tom’s oppressive demeanor and infidelity reinforce the moral corruption that permeates the upper class, which Nick critiques implicitly and explicitly.

Judgment on Jordan Baker

Nick’s relationship with Jordan Baker is equally marked by judgment. While he is initially attracted to her sophistication and charm, he later brands her as “incurably dishonest” (Fitzgerald, 58). This label not only reflects Nick’s disapproval of her character but also highlights a recurring theme in the novel: deception. Jordan’s dishonesty serves as a microcosm of the larger social fabric—one woven with lies, facades, and half-truths. Nick’s growing awareness of her flaws mirrors his gradual disillusionment with the glamorous yet hollow world he inhabits.

Judging the Wealthy Crowd

Nick extends his critical gaze beyond individuals to the broader societal milieu of wealth and privilege. After witnessing the behavior of the wealthy guests at Gatsby’s parties, he condemns them as a “rotten crowd” obsessed with superficial pleasures while neglecting any semblance of morality (Fitzgerald, 40). This indictment reflects Nick’s disdain for the distorted values of the Jazz Age, where the pursuit of material wealth often came at the expense of integrity and human connection. His critique also underscores the novel’s central argument: the American Dream, as envisioned by figures like Gatsby, has been corrupted by greed and self-indulgence.

Nick’s Self-Reflection

Interestingly, Nick does not reserve his judgments solely for others; he also turns a critical eye on himself. He admits to being the confidant of men who reveal their “secret griefs” to him (Fitzgerald, 34), suggesting a sense of superiority or detachment. This self-awareness adds depth to Nick’s character, making him more than just an observer. However, it also raises questions about his reliability as a narrator. Is Nick truly objective, or do his biases and insecurities distort the story he tells? His tendency to analyze his own role in the unfolding drama invites readers to view him as a complex, multifaceted character rather than a purely neutral voice.

The Complexity of Nick’s Narration

Throughout the novel, Nick’s judgments oscillate between sharp critique and reluctant admiration. For example, while he recognizes Gatsby’s flaws—his obsession with wealth, his idealization of Daisy—Nick also admires Gatsby’s unyielding hope and determination. Referring to Gatsby as having an “extraordinary gift for hope” (Fitzgerald, 2), Nick contrasts him with the morally bankrupt figures that populate the novel. This duality in Nick’s perception adds richness to the narrative, as it reflects the inherent contradictions of human nature and the complexity of moral judgment.

Broader Implications of Nick’s Judgments

Nick’s judgments are not just personal opinions; they serve as a lens through which the novel’s central themes are examined. His disdain for the wealthy underscores the moral decay that accompanied the economic prosperity of the 1920s. His observations about dishonesty and self-delusion reveal the fragility of the social structures underpinning the American Dream. And his ambivalence toward Gatsby encapsulates the tension between aspiration and reality, idealism and corruption.

Moreover, Nick’s biases force readers to engage critically with the narrative. By presenting a subjective account of events, he challenges us to question the reliability of his perspective and consider alternative interpretations of the characters and their actions. This dynamic interplay between narrator and reader enhances the novel’s complexity, making it a timeless exploration of human nature and societal values.

Conclusion

In The Great Gatsby, Nick Carraway’s judgments are integral to the narrative, shaping how readers perceive the characters, themes, and underlying messages of the story. His critical view of Tom, Jordan, and the wealthy elite exposes the moral corruption of the era, while his reflections on Gatsby reveal a nuanced understanding of hope and disillusionment. At the same time, Nick’s own biases and insecurities complicate his role as a narrator, prompting readers to question the truthfulness of his account. Ultimately, Nick’s perspective serves as a mirror for the contradictions and moral ambiguities that define both the novel and the society it critiques.

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.R. (2009). Readings on F. Scott Fitzgerald. Greenhaven Press.
• Mizener, A. (1965). The Far Side of Paradise: A Biography of F. Scott Fitzgerald. Houghton Mifflin Company.