Provide a background description of Nick Carraway.

Nick Carraway, the story’s narrator comes across as a man of no open judgements although he has strong opinions kept to himself. Throughout the novel Nick develops strong impressions and opinions of others yet is solitude about them. He also mentions his solidarity in his opening statement where he speaks about his upbringing. Carraway’s background is barely acknowledged but we do know he comes from the upper midwest raised on stereotypical values of hardwork and perseverance, after serving in world war 1 he headed east. Nick has spoken about his father’s advice,  “…..younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice…In consequence, I am inclined to reserve all judgements’ ‘. From this we expect Nick to be an honest narrator, he later goes on to mention that his tolerance for this is limited. This shows us that Nick’s upbringing taught him to keep his thoughts to himself although impatience becomes an issue, this means that Nick’s perspective of Gatsby is also ours.

quotes

I am inclined to reserve all judgements, a habit that has opened up many curious natures to me and made me the victim of not a few veteran bores.”

Nick believes he’s not a judgemental person. He’s states he’s “inclined to reserve all judgements” in other words this means when people speak to him, he tends to listen and not say what he thinks. Nick’s character does judge but doesn’t openly criticize others, he also mentioned having a curious nature, this shows that he’s open and friendly to new people but deep down is a judgemental character, we know This because throughout the novel he’s very much opinionated but tends to keep that to himself. Nick also refers to himself as being a victim of ‘veteran bores’ this means that he often ends up in dull and boring conversations because he he’s keeps his thoughts and opinions to himself. 

I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known.”

Although nick is associated with wealthy people, he believes he is not quite one of them. when Nick thinks about these types of people, he feels that he is nothing like them and deems himself honest. This shows some of Nick characteristics, he’s a successful man but believes he is apart from the upper classes dishonesties, regarding his families moral and values which he’s been brought up with.

” I sat there brooding on the old unknown world…”

Nick continues with “… I thought of Gatsby’s wonder when he first picked out the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock…” Nick is referring to the first time the green light became noticeable to Gatsby. The green light is an important symbol, representing Gatsby’s hopes and dreams. The fact nick ponders over that shows another characteristic, we come to understand that nick is reserved but inquisitive. Nick’s character is intrigued and loves to know the latest dramas but watches from the sidelines.