F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby - Nick Carraway as Narrator Essa

The narrative point of view adopted by F. Scott Fitzgerald in The Great Gatsby supports the novels criticism of the upper class and the importance of wealth in society. Fitzgerald uses snick Carraway as the narrator who views the upper class as entirely superficial. Through his observation of large number at Gatsbys party, at the beginning of chapter three, Nick seems to feel that the wealthy are clones of a stereotype strikeed and created by themselves. To him it seems as though this society is establish on appearance and recognition and judges people according to how much they own rather than what they believe in. Nicks criticisms are accepted by the reader as impartial because Nick is the only major character who is not preoccupied with wealth. This is established in the first few pages of the novel where Nick describes himself and his upbringing in a manner that immediately secures the trust of the reader. This allows Nick to act as a measure for other characters who are in a relentless seeking of money and power. Fitzgerald creates a particular impression of Nick in the first few pages of the novel in order for Nick to present himself as truthful and to secure the trust of the reader. Fitzgerald does this by describing Nicks upbringing and his opinion of himself. Nick states that he is inclined to reserve all judgments which is a matter of infinite hope. This has the immediate effect of presenting Nick as an unbiased narrator. When he states that his tolerance has a limit, the reader feels that he would only judge people if they have gone too far. The importance of this is that Nick does get to very strong opinions of characters later in the novel. This encourages the reader to view these characters so that they will develop ... ...ween the reader and Nick in order for the reader to accept Nicks opinions as impartial. He places Nick in a typical situation where wealthy people interact. The reader is encouraged to view the upper class as superficia l and as a group of clones who discern to fit into a single self-created stereotype. By focusing on only a few individuals at Gatsbys party, Nick presents the entire class pretentious behaviour quickly and effectively to the reader. The importance of appearance and recognition to these people is noted several times by Nick when he describes groups of people behaving in their typically superficial manner. The narrative point of view adopted by F. Scott Fitzgerald thoroughly supports this novels criticism of wealthy people and how they choose to lead their lives. Works CitedFitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. New York Macmillan, 1992.