aracters often tempts the author to editorialize; many modern critics have argued “that the author should be less in evidence and more willing to let us interpret the story ourselves.” (Burnet, 88) This leaves us with first-person narrative, which is easiest for the author to write, yet as in essay writing, use of the word “I” tends to allow the reader to dismiss the character’s feelings. It allows for total insight into the character, yet this reliance on one individual for information will likely result in a biased view. Therefore, when one examines point of view, the writer must be aware of what he wants his story to accomplish, and how he would like his character to be perceived. The reader is then responsible for examining the effect of the chosen view and its effect on the novel’s character. Point of view is an element which has evolved only recently, for it is only with the advent oft the modern novel that its use has been examined. It is this base which F. Scott Fitzgerald built upon in his American classic The Great Gatsby. Fitzgerald uses first-person narrative in an attempt to illustrate the character flaws which many individuals refuse to acknowledge within themselves. The narrator, Nick Carraway, attempts to portray himself as an individual of definite opinion, a calm observer, and a prisoner to the truth. However, the course of the novel eventually proves that Carraway’s portrayal actually conflicts with his actions, eventually causing him to change. Since Nick Carraway is the only character in the novel who seems to undergo a moral change, he is a logical choice for narrator. The presence of irony is predominant throughout The Great Gatsby. This irony is even present in the title, for it could be argued that Jay Gatsby is less than great. Irony, which is the difference between what is stated or implied and what is actually true is also apparent in Nick Carraway. Quite often Nick w...
