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Great Gatsby

 

            "I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known." This quotation, made by Nick, is moderately true. He was not a completely honest man, but he was not as corrupt as the other characters. Gary J. Scrimgeour comments that Nick was neither honest nor high-principled. The only reason why honesty might be questioned by the critic on Nick's behalf is because Nick mentions that he does not judge anyone, yet throughout the whole book he judges the characters and their problems. But this fact does not make him dishonest because everyone has their thoughts and opinions he just does not speak them out. Though his honesty was limited, Nick was one of the more truthful and moral characters in this novel.
             Furthermore, we come to trust Nick as the narrator. He came from a Midwestern family, from whom he learned some basic values and was taught to be "inclined to reserve all judgments". Not only was Nick not openly judgmental, but he was comprehensive and tolerant. He was also a suitable narrator because of his temperament. He was not quick to judge people and so they came to him with his secrets and problems because they did not feel judged. Nick also firmly believed in himself. In compliance with Thomas A. Hanzo comments, Nick, though sometimes subdued by the other characters, is never unsure of his actions. For example, at the end of the novel when Nick comes face-to-face with Tom Buchanan, Tom wants to shake Nick's hand and Nick rejected him. Tom asked him why he did not want to shake hands and Nick told him straight out because he was not really fond of him. Many times Tom overpowered Nick, but Nick always remained firm like in this situation. His toleration was of course limited too and so he did not approve of everything. Gatsby is one of the characters that comes to trust Nick and treat him as a confidant. The only genuine affection in the novel is probably shown by Nick towards Gatsby.


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