Nick Carraway's Character

Nick Carraway's Character

Many characters in novels claim to possess a certain positive characteristic although it is not demonstrated often. A reader can immediately notice this phenomenon and view the character differently through his or her perspective. In the novel The Great Gatsby by Fitzgerald F. Scott, the narrator Nick Carraway followed the teachings of his father who told him to never criticize others because they have not had the advantages that Nick had, thus he claimed to be an individual who reserved judgement. However, he did pass judgements despite his proclamation, and it is apparent on several occasions including his description of Tom Buchanan, Myrtle Wilson, and those who attended Gatsby's party.

Nick had known Tom for quite a long time since they attended New Haven University together. Also, Nick did have a close relationship with Tom due to the fact that Tom married Nick's second cousin Daisy. Regardless of their connection, Nick introduced Tom as a corrupted and destructive man, describing him "with a rather hard mouth and a supercilious manner. Two arrogant eyes had established a dominance over his face and gave him the appearance of always leaning aggressively forward" (pg.12) Nick used the expression "hard mouth" to illustrate Tom's uncontrollable behaviour and his use of foul language. He also strongly portrayed Tom as far too arrogant that it can be sensed by just examining his face, which ultimately gave him an impression of a durable and strong man. For an individual who "reserved judgement", Nick's introduction of Tom was not very righteous and fair.

Not only did Nick pass judgement on Tom, but he also judged Tom's mistress, Myrtle Wilson. Tom insisted Nick to meet Myrtle, and as Nick met her for the first time he immediately judged her by her appearance. He explained that she was thick, stout and "Her face contained no facet or gleam of beauty..." (pg. 28) He basically described her as a woman who did not have the best physical features but can attract men because of the way that she carried herself. This observation Nick had made demonstrated his lack of respect towards woman because he only viewed women as an entertainment article. He did not wait until he spent enough time with her to comment on what kind of individual she is, instead, he commented on her physical appearance while he recognized