The Great Gatsby: Narrative

Overview of Narrative

The narrative of ‘The Great Gatsby’ is known for its nonlinear storytelling and unreliable narrator with the story being told retrospectively by Nick Carraway.
A striking feature of Fitzgerald’s narrative is its intricate structure, which meticulously arranges patterns of imagery and symbolism.
The narrative is multi-layered and symbol-laden, using many different techniques to communicate its themes, from metaphor to oxymoron.

Key Features

Narrative Voice and Perspective:

“I was within and without.” Nick, the narrator, positions himself as both an insider and outsider, enabling Fitzgerald to provide a more comprehensive representation of the 1920’s society.
“Everyone suspects himself of at least one of the cardinal virtues…“ This displays Nick’s introspection, thus Fitzgerald uses first person narrative to allow readers direct access into the character’s mind, shaping our perception of the events and characters.

Narrative Time:

The concept of time and its manipulation is prominent. We, as readers, encounter two forms of time: chronological and psychological. While the former gives the narrative order, psychological time allows characters to reflect on past events shaping their present.
“One autumn night, five years before…“ Through such retrospections, Fitzgerald instills the narrative with a sense of nostalgia, regret, and missed opportunities.

The Unreliable Narrator:

Given Nick Carraway’s subjective perspective, he is considered an unreliable narrator. This is masterfully used by Fitzgerald to maintain an air of mystery about Gatsby and his extravagant lifestyle.
“I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known.” Assertion of his honesty serves to ironically highlight his unreliability, making us question the interpretation of events throughout the narrative.

Symbols and Motifs:

Use of symbols, like the “green light” at the end of Daisy’s dock and the “valley of ashes”, are woven into the narrative to develop deeper meanings of hope, dreams, and disillusionment respectively.
Motifs like cars, colors and weather are utilized throughout the narrative to enhance symbolic meanings and reinforce the themes.

Narrative techniques:

Fitzgerald uses inter-textual references, allusions, and foreshadowing throughout the narrative. His consistent use of these techniques heightens tension, adds depth and allure to the plot and characters.
“Gatsby believed in the green light…“ The use of foreshadowing in this quote arouses curiosity and builds anticipation amongst readers.