Analysis Of Nick The Narrator In The Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald

Welcome to the era of booze, gambling, and sins. The 1920’s, also known as the roaring 20’s, was an era where the people were free and could do what they wished. This popular culture of the decade was a time people defied Prohibition, embraced new ways of dancing and dressing, and rejected traditional moral standards. It was a time of mystiqueness and carlessness of the world. This is Nick’s world, what he sees through his eyes, his perspective, his vision, his life. But is it really all that it seems, is he imagining things, maybe he’s had a little too much to drink? In the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nick proves to be an unreliable narrator because he is biased, irresponsible, and selfish.
Although Nick claims he is not judgemental, he continues to be biased throughout the novel by comparing character’s traits and personalities with their physical description. “Now he was a sturdy straw-haired man of thirty, with a rather hard mouth and supercilious manner. Two shining arrogant eyes had established dominance over his face and gave him the appearance of always leaning aggressively forward” (Fitzgerald 7). Nick assumes Tom’s personality will match his appearance, therefore making the reader believe Tom is arrogant and aggressive throughout the entire novel. Nick has a tendency to compare physical appearances to character traits …show more content…
His biased, judgemental, foolish, and selfish ways destroys the credibility he had, deeming him unreliable and a terrible narrator. Although it is believed that Nick didn’t want any of this and wanted to stick true to his beliefs, in the end he slips up and fails his duty. From the lack of multiple perspectives of the story, the only one that is available is unfortunately uncredible and possibly false. Ultimately evidence shows Nick as an unreliable narrator due to his biased judgements, irresponsible behaviour, and his