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Why is Nick Carraway Fascinated in Gatsby? Free Essay Example
Throughout “The Fantastic Gatsby”, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, we witness Nick Carraways compulsive fascination of Gatsby. Nick states at the start of the book that he is ethically warded off by the indecency of all the characters he meets throughout his stay in New York, with the exception of Gatsby. Although Gatsby in some cases acts immorally like the characters around him, something sets him aside in Nicks eyes. In fact, Nick describes, Only Gatsbywas exempt from my reaction-Gatsby, who represented everything for which I have an unaffected refuse.
(p. 2) In spite of Gatsby being the embodiment of what Nick dislikes most, he finds Gatsby captivating due to the fact that of his unique habits.
Part of what intrigues Nick is Gatsbys mysterious character. Nick hears many wild rumors that circulate through Gatsbys visitors, such as, Well, they state hes a nephew or a cousin of Kaiser WilhelmIm terrified of him. (p. 32) One visitor even claimed that He was a German spy during the war.
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(p. 44) Most of the other characters in the novel have a various opinion of Gatsby just due to the fact that they do not know his real background and unlike Nick, are not interested enough to find his true character.
The majority of people that know of Gatsby base their understanding mostly on reports; others just judge Gatsby by his wealth, and a lot of only care about his over the top celebrations. When Nick finally fulfills Gatsby, he is shocked when he discovers that Gatsby does not consume and typically distances himself from the remainder of the chaotic party.
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As Nicks relationship progresses with Gatsby, he ends up being more interested in Gatsbys unknown past.
Gatsbys extraordinary capability to turn his dreams into a reality creates a limitless capacity, making Gatsby a lot more interesting character. Gatsbys great wealth and success also intrigues Nick, It was an extraordinary gift for hope, a romantic preparedness such as I have actually never discovered in any other person and which it is not most likely I shall ever discover again. (p. 2) Unlike the rest of the superficial and worthless characters in the book, Gatsby has actually constantly made every effort to accomplish more and make something of his life.
Another aspect that makes Gatsby attractive to Nick is his charismatic personality. Gatsbys numerous war medals, attitude, and overall appearance make him unique. Nick shows particular interest in Gatsbys smile and says, He smiled understandingly- much more then understandingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it (p.48) Nick is also fascinated by Gatsby because they share a similar background. For instance, both Nick and Gatsby fought in World War I, attended world renowned universities, and came from poor families in the Midwest, but both have now acquired great wealth for themselves. Although Nick and Gatsby have achieved similar goals, Gatsby has done so on an entirely different level. For example, Gatsby is wealthier and has been awarded many medals for his success in World War I.
Although Nick may not always approve of what he sees, Gatsbys behavior nevertheless continues to interest him. Nick is not appalled by some of Gatsbys unethical behavior because he is not lifeless like the other characters, making him stand above the rest. He tries to explain his mixed emotions for Gatsby and says, I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life. (p.35) Although Nick may not see Gatsby as a role model, he finds him admirable because he is unlike any other person Nick has observed, which is evident in their strong friendship.
Overall, Gatsbys image of an Oxford Man tainted by a notoriously mysterious background could only interest a true observer, like Nick Carraway. As he untangles Gatsbys past by putting aside radical rumors and asking more direct questions, he begins to form an accurate image of the true Jay Gatsby that no one else knows, only encouraging his curiosity. In conclusion, Nicks attraction to Gatsby originates from his nature to observe only the most interesting people, in which Gatsby is the apotheosis
