The justification for being a good narrator encompasses many qualities. Fitzgerald, by making Nick the narrator, enables the reader to see the action through his eyes. This makes the revelations more intimate and personal. For example, although he is a spectator in Chapter 5 we see how closely Nick identifies with Gatsby. It is as if Nick is as anxious about the meeting with Daisy as Gatsby is himself, even to the extent where he is "aware of the loud beating of his own heart." But by mirroring Gatsby's feelings so closely this can cause complexity in the mind of the reader, because it suggests that Nick is more passionate than his narration would lead the reader to believe. .
The use of subjectivity is however, an essential ingredient in this novel and therefore Fitzgerald had to make sure that Nick did have all the qualities essential to be a good narrator. If the creation of Nick was unsuccessful the novel would fail. Because Nick participates in the story, as a spectator rather than an actor this creates ambivalence in the mind of the reader, who then has to interpret and judge the narrator himself. In the introduction to the novel Nick's own description of himself reveals many of the qualities that are necessary for a narrator. In particular he has to persuade the reader to believe that his judgments about character and action are reliable. His self-analysis in the introduction of the novel is, therefore, very important. .
Nick states that following his father's advice, he "inclines to reserve all judgements." This suggestion that he does not make rash decisions gives an impression that his observations are both impartial and objective. And since "the intimate revelations" and "most of the confidences were unsought" the reader immediately feels a quiet confidence in Nick's abilities not to prejudge the motives of the characters in the novel. As a result when he does pass judgement the reader feels that his judgements can be trusted.
