Hello, in the next few paragraphs I will analyze these characters from the Great Gatsby. It will all be based upon first impressions of those 3 characters. To make things interesting I’ll compare them to different contemporary figures. So, here’s what I think…
Nick Carraway: The narrator, sort of represents modern day journalism
“I’m inclined to reserve all judgment… And, after boasting this way of my tolerance, I come to the admission that it has a limit” (Fitzgerald 1-2).
I remember reading a post from Instagram about how a journalist should do their job: If someone said it was raining and the other said it isn’t, they’re not supposed to say who’s right but solely report both side’s perspective.
I guess this connects to what Nick is, as described by the quote “reserve all judgments…And, after boasting this way of my tolerance, I come to the admission that it has a limit” (Fitzgerald 1-2). You simply can’t hide away all your personal feelings on something, so of course Nick would have opinions, but you try to be as unbiased as possible.
Nick represents a journalist, who takes into account almost everyone’s perspective and shows it to the readers. And, he’s actually a really humble, mid-Westerner, simply trying to find a life in the Eastern part of the States by being in the stock business back in the 1920s. I believe that Fitzgerald inserted him into this story, simply because he may be reflective of Fitzgerald’s quiet, unbiased, and the good-secret keeping side. I want to meet someone from Minnesota too, I heard they’re Minnesota friendly, which is a whole new class of friendliness.
Tom Buchanan: Sort of like a president, mad cash and ego
“His family were enormously wealthy- even in college his freedom with money was a matter for reproach.” (Fitzgerald 6)
At least the president didn’t cheat, but did have affairs in the past that went viral all over the internet after he got elected. My impression of him is that Tom represents that modern day president who is different only in physicality, and perhaps how he obtained his wealth. I must say, Tom’s cheating with Myrtle on Daisy was really a sad part about his otherwise ‘okay’ figure that would persuade me to hang out with him. Sure, if he hosts party I’ll join, but would I want to be a close associate? No, their relationship is too complicated for me to handle. I guess Fitzgerald inserted him into the story because he needed a villain, every story needs a villain. And, from what I’ve read, it appears to me that the villain would be him. I can infer from chapter 1-4 that it would be like what Angelina Jolie said Mr. and Mrs.Smith “Happy endings are for stories that haven’t ended”… Perhaps, this story would end up being very ugly.
Jay Gatsby: Like Tom without affairs, mad cash with major business
“He smiled understandingly-much more than understandingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four and five times in life.” (Fitzgerald 48)
Jay Gatsby sort of represents Jay Z to some extent. He’s super wealthy, secretive during parties, and is also a veteran who served in WWI like Nick. Furthermore, he seems like one of the most charming and unique person you will ever meet in one’s life. What’s ironic is that while he’s secretive in parties, he’s still trying to express his wealth by hosting majestic parties and showing all the cars, and boats that he has. Quite a nice chap if you ask me. I felt like he must’ve been the reflection of the American Dream, to push through and reach financial success through hard work. Jay Z in similarity, does whatever it takes to win, and gain financial security. Perhaps that is why Fitzgerald added him in, to reflect upon the American dream in the 1920s.
However, I still have one unsolved question, I have said that “to some extent”, but who do you think Jay Gatsby also resembles in modern figures? Leave a comment, and tell me what you think, good bye!
I have two major comments to give: (1) the use of underlining/bolding of important phrases might attract greater attention and thus enhance the quality of this blog and (2) I especially admire your analysis of Carraway. You mention that how Carraway is the ideal journalist and how he is a fictional manifestation of Fitzgerald’s persona. I have not thought of potential connections between the characters and the author, which is certainly nice of you to bring it up.
I somehow do not have a response to your question as I do not understand Gatsby enough yet (only flashes in chapter 3 and 4).
I like your comparison of Nick to a journalist. However, I would have loved it if you linked the Instagram post you mentioned about journalists’ ethics.
To answer your question, I believe Jay Gatsby resembles many of us, not only the rich, in our generation to a certain degree. Throughout the book, we get hints that Gatsby is building his facade (for example buying a whole library of unread books) perhaps to elevate his own social position. Yet, through actions like these, an outsider would describe Gatsby as “pretentious,” clearly not Gatsby’s desired outcome. Perhaps Fitzgerald is telling the readers to stay true to themselves, as glamour does not necessarily correlate with happiness.