Sean O'Donnell--Chapter 1 Pages 1-21

Chapter 1 Pages 1-21

The Great Gatsby with an introduction to Nick Carraway, the main character of the novel.  We learn that Nick's father taught him to be non-judgemental at a young age.  Nick, after graduation from New Haven and serving in World War I, works in the bond business in New York.  He lives in house that is surrounded by mansions in West Egg.  One summer evening, he visits his second cousin, Daisy, her husband Tom Buchanan, and a friend Ms Baker on East Egg.  During the course of the evening, Nick learns that Tom is cheating on Daisy with a woman from New York and that Daisy is unhappy with the marriage.  When Tom arrives at home, he sees Gatsby raising his hands to the sky in the dark.  Nick momentarily looks away, and find that the Gatsby dissappears when he looks back.

Tom Buchanan:

"The idea is if we don't look out the white race will be--will be utterly submerged.  It's all scientific stuff; it's been proved" (Fitzgerald, 13).

Fitzgerald depicts Tom as a rich, egotistical, unfaithful, racist, athlete.  Tom played football for New Haven and was an exceptional player.  Although his physical ability is declining with age, he still maintains an overpowering physical stature.  He uses this intimidating factor to his advantage.  He lives in an extravagant house in the more wealthy part of the town.  He lives a lavish life and is only concerned about himself.  At the dinner, Tom talks about how the white race will lose its power unless efforts are made to change.  This shows that he believes other races are inferior to whites.  To top it all off, Tom is cheating on Daisy with a woman in New York.  This proves his unfaithfulness and bad moral character.

Tom's role in The Great Gatsby is to provide a contrast to Nick.  Unlike Nick, Tom is extremely wealthy and lets everyone know it.  He has bad moral character, and is quick to judge.  Nick puts others first while Tom forces others to make him the center of attention.

"Whenever you feel like criticizing any one, just remember that all the people in the world haven't had the advantages that you've had" (Fitzgerald 1).

This quote, one of the first lines in the novel, gives clear insight into Nick's character.  It illustrates Nick's upbringing, and how his father's influence formed his moral character.  Nick gives everyone a chance and refuses to judge others without first getting to know them.  It has significance to me, a student at SI.  I have an unbelievably large advantage over many others because of the education and opportunities I have.  Because of this, I do not have the right to jump to conclusions about others.  Each person must be given an equal chance.