ipl-logo

How Does Nick Carraway Change In The Great Gatsby

723 Words3 Pages

As time continues indefinitely, humans, as a large population, inevitably develop. Together, advances in mathematics and science enhance society; likewise, but on a much smaller scale, individuals undergo a plethora of changes. These changes are not unlimited because humans develop physically, as well as cognitavely. To exemplify the statement, a young boy matures as he nears adulthood; thus, he endures a variety of changes, which may include moral reconcilliation. Like the young boy, Nick Carraway undergoes moral reconcilliation in the popular novel, The Great Gatsby. Nick’s spiritual reassessment is evident by analyzing his relationship with Jordan Baker and his relationship with Jay Gatsby. Nick Carraway and Jordan Baker have a intermittent …show more content…

This concept is observed in the quotes: “‘Suppose you met someone just as careless as yourself.’” (Fitzgerald 58) and “Angry, and half in love with her, and tremendously sorry, I turned away” (177). The first quote is a response given by Nick to Jordan Baker’s incredulous statement, ‘“They’ll keep out of my way,’ she insisted. ‘It takes two to make an accident.’” (58). Nick is appalled by Jordan Baker’s comment, for she believes she does not need to improve her motor skills; rather, she believes other motorists should keep an eye out for her. He cannot believe the level of entitlement Jordan Baker believes she possesses, yet his appallment to her attitude does not prevent him from falling in love with her; hence, the second quote. The location of the second quote is important because it specifically insinuates the …show more content…

In the beginning of the novel, Nick longs to experience a party thrown by Gatsby. From his property, Nick eyes the festivities and believes the people are unimaginably happy in their lavish lifestyles because they spend hours with each other at Gatsby’s parties, relishing in the fruits of their labor. Gatsby invites Nick to a party of his and Nick feels miserably out of place and deems the wealthy community as selfish due to their actions. Nick expresses discontent with Gatsby’s character in the quote, “The truth was that Jay Gatsby of West Egg, Long Island, sprang from his Platonic conception of himself” (98). “Platonic” is defined as an intimate or affectionate relationship; thereby, insinuating Gatsby thinks highly of himself, which satisfies Nick’s conclusion that wealthy people are self-centered. To expand upon the aforementioned claim, Gatsby does not have a single friend attend his funeral, for they are all too busy with their own personal lives. This solidifies Nick’s belief that the rich are selfish and inconsiderate because they do not have the decency to attend Gatsby’s funeral, yet they have time to attend his extravagant parties. This is observed in Nick’s conversation with Mr. Wolfsheim, which occurs after endless attempts of contacting him by phone and receiving no response: “I saw that for some reason of his own he was determined not to

Open Document