year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter - tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms father....And one fine morning -” (182) Note the use of “we.” Not only has Nick allowed himself to form opinions on others, he has also learned that he should be included within that scrutiny. Nick has discovered that the process of forming and acting upon ideals is part of the journey of life. This journey of transformation continues in another of Carraway’s character; it seems that Nick is not quite as honest as he suggests. For instance, “Everyone suspects himself of at least one of the cardinal virtues, and this is mine: I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known.” (60) Yet, when he breaks up with Jordan, she tells him, “You said a bad driver was only safe until she met another bad driver? Well, I met another bad driver, didn’t I? I mean it was careless of me to make such a wrong guess. I thought you were rather an honest, straightforward person. I thought it was your secret pride. (179) Jordan is expressing her dissatisfaction with Nick because she trusted him, while he encouraged their relationship despite Nick having only physical desire for her. This sparks realization in Nick, who for the first time admits that he is responsible for his actions; he begins to reevaluate his lies to others and his lies to himself. “‘I’m thirty’ [he] said. ‘I’m five years too old to lie to myself and call it honor.’” Nick has stopped lying to himself and has learned that his aging has brought on new consequences, for “Youth - with its spirit of adventure and hope of achievement can encourage the vision; but a day comes when one has to be objective and see himself as he is rather than as he could be or would like to be.” (Lehan, 111) Once again, Fitzgerald has given us another change in Nick Carraway which is...
