Style and Technique: First Person Narrative

Introduction: First Person Narrative

The Great Gatsby is told through a first-person narrative, meaning we see the events of the story from a character’s point of view.
This perspective is that of Nick Carraway, a character within the novel and our narrator.
His position allows the reader to observe the action of the story, as well as gain insight into characters’ thoughts and feelings.

Unique Features

First person narrative in The Great Gatsby creates a personal and intimate atmosphere.
It allows for an unfiltered depiction of Nick’s thoughts, feelings, perceptions, and experiences.
The technique results in a subjective account of events which adds to the intrigue and mystery of the storyline.

Function of Nick Carraway as the Narrator

Nick Carraway’s narrative perspective presents an insider view of the story’s events.
His moral standpoint provides a judgement on the other characters, particularly Gatsby.
His voice often implicates the reader by using the pronoun “you”, creating an interactive narrative.

Limitations and Unreliability

Telling the story through Nick’s perspective, a part of the story’s world itself, can sometimes lead to biased or incomplete accounts of the events.
Nick admits to being tolerant, open-minded, curious, and a bad liar - these qualities, though positive, make him an unreliable narrator.
Thus, the reader must critically analyse and question the veracity of Nick’s accounts throughout the book.

Symbolism

Nick’s narrative and his reactions to the world of wealth that surrounds him represent the moral decay hidden beneath the façade of the Roaring Twenties.
His viewpoint provides critical commentary on the “American Dream” theme.
Nick’s narration highlights corruption, disillusionment and desire for the unreachable, significant themes of the novel.

Summary

The first person narrative in The Great Gatsby adds depth to the story, providing us with insights into the Roaring Twenties’ society and its disillusionment. As our guide, Nick Carraway offers a unique perspective, helping to unveil the themes of dreams, wealth, and moral decay symbolised in the story. Through this narrative choice, Fitzgerald invites us to question the reliability of our narrator and, in turn, the elusive nature of truth and perception.