Who is the narrator of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby"?

Explore the English Literature and Composition Section 1 Credit Recovery Test. Master essential concepts with structured flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your exam journey!

In "The Great Gatsby," the story is narrated by Nick Carraway, which provides a unique perspective on the events and characters within the novel. As the narrator, Nick is both a participant in and an observer of the social dynamics and moral complexities of the Jazz Age. His position allows him to offer insights into the lives of other characters, particularly Jay Gatsby, while also reflecting on his own judgments and experiences.

Nick's narrative voice creates a sense of reliability, as he presents events and characters through his observations, which often carry a tone of critique and contemplation. This perspective is essential in shaping the reader's understanding of Gatsby's tragic quest for love and the disillusionment of the American Dream. Nick’s role as an outsider who becomes involved with the wealth and extravagance of East Coast society offers a lens through which the story's major themes of ambition, identity, and morality are explored.

The other characters mentioned do not serve as the narrators: while Jay Gatsby is the titular character and central figure, Daisy Buchanan is his love interest, and Tom Buchanan represents the old money elite, but neither has the narrative authority or perspective that Nick provides. Therefore, recognizing Nick Carraway as the narrator enriches the reading experience and is crucial for understanding

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