Compare And Contrast Nick Carraway And Jay Gatsby

Evan Miller
Heidi Speece
AP English Language and Composition
2/7/23
Comparing and Contrasting Jay Gatsby and Nick Carraway The words of F. Scott Fitzgerald in “The Great Gatsby” ring particularly true in the context of the characters Nick Carraway and Jay Gatsby. These two men can be compared and contrasted according to the quote, “There are only the pursued, the pursuing, and the tired.” This astute observation by Fitzgerald provides insight into the various facets of human motivation and desire. The quote also serves as a lens through which the reader can view and evaluate the actions of the characters in the novel. Nick Carraway embodies the idea of being “tired,” reflecting the struggle of an individual seeking to maintain

Throughout the novel, he is constantly attending parties and events, and interacting with a wide array of characters. Additionally, Nick’s position as the narrator and an observer of the events in the novel constitutes his busyness. He is constantly trying to make sense of the people and situations around him and often finds himself caught in the middle of various conflicts and tensions. He notes in the novel, “I’m inclined to reserve all judgments, a habit that has opened up many curious natures to me” (1) and opens himself up as an intermediary and mediator. This requires Nick to be vigilant and active as he tries to understand the motivations and actions of the characters around him. As the book continues, it becomes evident that Nick’s role as an outsider, as well as his tireless sense of morality, places him in direct contrast to the reckless and self-destructive behavior of Gatsby and the other elite. This dichotomy serves to further emphasize the difference between the “tired” and the “pursuing” as defined by Fitzgerald in his quote, and highlights the many facets of human experience that are explored in the pages of “The Great

Gatsby’s past haunts and threatens to catch up with him. The consequences of his actions, particularly his association with organized crime, pose a serious threat to his efforts to win Daisy back, which is the central aspect of his character. Despite his wealth and status, Gatsby cannot simply buy his way out of his past, and he is constantly faced with the reminder of his past mistakes. As the novel progresses, Gatsby becomes increasingly aware of the dark side of his pursuit of Daisy and begins to understand the extent to which his past caught up with him. Despite this, however, Gatsby remains relentless in his quest for Daisy. He refuses to let go of his dream and his belief in the idea of a brighter future, even as it becomes clear that his efforts will ultimately be in vain. The tragic nature of Gatsby’s situation is emphasized by the fact that his pursuit of Daisy is rooted in a deep and sincere love for her. He truly believes that by winning Daisy back, he will be able to attain the happiness that has eluded him for so long. Yet, despite his best efforts, Gatsby is unable to escape the repercussions of his past and the societal constraints of his time. He desperately wants to break free from his lavish life and start anew, which we know never happened. The result is a situation in which Gatsby is forever pursued by his desires, the past, and the obstacles that stand in his way. Sadly, he can never fully