The opening paragraphs of the novel are a description of Nick’s life before he moved to West Egg, but Nick interrupts himself and starts talking about different time periods. “In my younger more vulnerable years” to “...No – Gatsby turned out all right at the end...was exempt from my reaction p.8”, he then returns to the description of his past. It has the effect that Nick is actively speaking to the reader, and makes the novel more authentic and genuine. . Nick at this point becomes our guide, and exhibits his desire to always make unprejudiced comments, “I’m inclined to reserve all judgments. ” In these early pages Nick creates a trustworthy connection with the reader, and the reader is then inclined to base their opinions on Nick’s.
Nick functions as the readers’ eyes and ears in this fictitious world describing the “Great” Gatsby, and possesses an essential credibility to the story, as he assumes a down to-earth role engrossed in a sea of pretentiousness and flamboyance. It is this contrast that causes him to become the only trustworthy character in the novel. Nick reflection on Gatsby’s upbringing, particularly his "advantages" that Gatsby’s father called Gatsby’s spiritual and moral values, only work to build upon his credibility. For example, by saying that Gatsby’s upbringing provided him with moral fiber and that consequently he is, "inclined to reserve all judgments," about other people provides us with the impression that Nick will give us an accurate, levelheaded insight to the story. Ironically enough, this really isn't the case. He makes an exception to that statement when he judges Gatsby, whom he says has an, " an extraordinary gift for hope, a romantic readiness such as I have never found in any other person and which it is not likely I shall ever find again,” but he also mentions that Gatsby represents everything he has “unaffected scorn” for. It shows that Nick is trustworthy and objective, but also has some biased opinions that the readers takes on as their own due to his credibility.
Fitzgerald establishment of Nick’s reflective and tolerant personality is vital to the comprehension of the novel’s context. We can’t dismiss him as a character as his perspective on the events becomes the reader’s opinions as well. Nick’ aims to be truthful and objective, which makes the reader and the characters trust him. He is not one of the “careless people,” but he has conscience and is unselfish, and demonstrates this decency at Gatsby’s funeral. A stark contrast to the demonstrative, superficial and selfish natures of characters like Tom and Daisy, who step on everything and everyone in their way. When he says that Gatsby has a “rare smile with a quality of eternal reassurance in it,” we know Nick’s isn’t being charmed by his riches or parties; but is telling it to us frankly. Nick’s admiration for much of what Gatsby says is emphasized when he doesn’t mock Gatsby in this situation showing his tolerance for people.
Without Nick, the character Jay Gatsby wouldn’t be possible. He would be seen as psychopathic, but because Nick’s credibility, Gatsby is seen for the greatness he possesses. Nick’s objectivity and as a results his credibility is reinforced by his scorn of Gatsby, who “represented everything for which I (Nick) have unaffected scorn.” He has a strong contempt for Gatsby ideals, his falseness, and his criminality; however, Nick still likes him; he laughs at Gatsby and his false beliefs, but is neither charmed nor disgusted by Gatsby. The fact that he disapproved of Gatsby early on helps us go along with his judgment Gatsby. The other characters lack the dimension for us to trust them, which is what Fitzgerald is trying to demonstrate. Seeing Gatsby through Nick’s eyes makes the reader sympathize with him, and understand his unattainable life long dream. It is due to Nick’s influence that we perceive Gatsby as great rather than a corrupt mad man trying to disrupt an old lover’s life.
Nick plays a role inside the narrative as well. He is strongly mixed into the life on the East Coast that creates a powerful internal conflict that he doesn’t resolve until the end. The fast-paced, fun-driven lifestyle of New York attracts him, but at the same time he finds their lifestyle grotesque and damaging. He shows this as Myrtle’s party, where Nick's reserved nature and indecisiveness shows. He feels morally repelled by vulgarity and tastelessness of party, but is too fascinated to leave, which is the representation of Fitzgerald’s own viewpoint. This inner conflict is symbolized throughout the book by Nick’s romantic affair with Jordan. Her vivacity and sophistication is attractive, but Nick is repelled by her dishonesty and lack of consideration.
The basis of the novel has been founded on aspects of Fitzgerald’s own life, the chase for an old lover and the attraction to the aristocratic lifestyle. He is an author who “speaks” indirectly to us through Nick. Fitzgerald makes amusingly contemptuous remarks about his environment that shows a sense of humour and as a result doesn’t bore the reader in the long run. Nick often functions as Fitzgerald’s voice such as the extended mediation on time, and the American Dream at the end of Chapter 9 where Fitzgerald seems to shine through the words on the page.
While Gatsby and what he stands for is clearly the focus of the book, an argument can be made that Nick is the main character of the novel. The reader becomes attached to Nick so early on, and base our opinions on his observations that if we were deprived of him our perspective on this world would become extremely disparate. Nick is a more in-depth and trustworthy character in novel and since practically every part of the story is described to us with his thoughts and his perceptions, it is hard for him not to the main character, especially since Fitzgerald’s opinions are presented through him. The reader leaves the story feeling they understand whose actions and judgments they support. He is the narrator but his involvement in the events, no matter how much he tries to stay objective, ultimately, fabricate the reader’s opinions due to his trustworthiness and tolerance.
