I chose this quotation because it reflects Gatsby's extraordinary gift for hope. He hoped to re-create 1917 in his affair with Daisy. But this proved to be futile, as we learn later in the novel.
At the beginning of the novel, Nick boasts of his tolerance. However, as the novel progresses he grows more and more cynical. He is prejudiced, making comments like: "Dishonesty in a woman is a thing you never blame deeply". We also observe some "casual racism": the way Nick describes Wolfsheim, as a stereotypical jew; and his reaction to the modish negroes would be considered politically incorrect at the least nowadays. At the end, Nick recognizes his own shortcomings: "I'm thirty. I'm five years too old to lie to myself and call it honour".
What is Nick referring to by "lying to himself"?
ReplyDeleteNick does become more cynical. How does this affect his opinion of Gatsby?
Nick refers to his sense of self-righteousness. He soon realizes he isn´t above above the rest of the characters en the novel. Moreover, he is the only character that changes throughout the novel: Gatsby did´t change, to this conception he was faithful to the end.. The Buchanans couldnt change, they retreated
ReplyDeleteback into their money or their vast carelessness or whatever it was that kept them together.
Nick's cynicism leads him to heap scorn on Mr. Gatsby.