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  • Essay / Ambition and Control: Nick Carraway's Complex Character in The Great Gatsby

    Throughout F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby, Nick Carraway's character undergoes significant development and reveals his desire for control. Nick, the narrator and key player in the story's events, presents himself as an observer, but his actions and motivations suggest a deeper need for control over his own life and the lives of those around him. By examining Nick's relationships, his role as narrator, and his involvement in the lives of the other characters, it becomes clear that he seeks to exert influence and maintain a sense of stability amid the chaos of the Roaring Twenties. However, this desire for control ultimately leads to his disillusionment and awareness of the limits of his power. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay One of the ways Nick's desire for control manifests itself is through his relationships with the other characters in the novel. From the beginning, Nick establishes himself as a reliable and trustworthy narrator, aiming to control the narrative of the story and the perception of the characters. He admits, “Accordingly, I am inclined to reserve all my judgments” (Fitzgerald 1). This statement not only sets the tone for Nick's narration, but also reveals his desire to maintain control of his own biases and judgments. Additionally, Nick's relationship with his cousin, Daisy Buchanan, highlights his desire for control. Daisy, a symbol of wealth and social status, becomes an object of fascination for Nick. He becomes infatuated with her, because she represents a life of privilege and stability that he longs for. Nick remarks, “I wanted to get up and give her a pat on the back” (Fitzgerald 8), indicating his desire to control and influence Daisy's choices, even though he recognizes the impossibility of such control. Nick's role as narrator of the story also reflects his desire for control. As a narrator, he has the power to manipulate events and shape the characters' perceptions. Through his control over the narrative, Nick seeks to impose order and structure in an often chaotic and unpredictable world. However, it is important to note that Nick's control over the narrative is limited. He is always bound by the truth and the events unfolding before him. As much as it tries to control the characters' perceptions, the truth of their actions and motivations inevitably reveals itself. This realization challenges Nick's desire for control and forces him to confront the limits of his power. Another aspect of Nick's desire for control is his active involvement in the lives of other characters. He takes on the role of confidant and advisor, seeking to guide and influence their actions. This is evident in his relationship with Jay Gatsby, the enigmatic millionaire who becomes the center of the story. Nick becomes Gatsby's closest friend and confidant, offering him advice and support. He even goes so far as to orchestrate a reunion between Gatsby and Daisy, attempting to control their relationship and bring stability to Gatsby's life. Nick's actions reveal his desire to control the outcome of events and shape the lives of those around him. Despite Nick's efforts to control his relationships and the narrative, he ultimately realizes the limits of his power. As the events of the story unfold and the true nature of the characters is revealed, Nick becomes disillusioned with his own ability to control the course of events. For example, Nick's attempts to control Gatsby's relationship with Daisy result in tragedy. Gatsby's death and dissolution, 2004.