We are introduced to Nick as the narrator, so the story is being told in first person. He mentions that his father told him 'Whenever you feel like criticising anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had' showing how Nick has came from a privileged background of inherited wealth. He has a successful lineage whom do not agree with his chosen career. However we see Nicks naivety and opinionated nature when he recalls some 'veteran bores'. He prides himself as being 'privy to the secret griefs of wild, unknown men' and being mistaken to of been a politician, however it is obvious that although he admits to knowing a lot about many people he is not one to reveal intimate details about himself- the fact the novel is from his own perspective means that a lot of the content could be distorted to what he wants to reveal, we have to take Nicks opinion as fact.
Nick tells us of how he came back from the war and wanted the world 'to be in uniform'. He appears to prefer order and formality, to be constricted by laws, rather than the idea of free will. He briefly introduces us to the idea of Gatsby when mentioning he 'represented everything for which i have an unaffected scorn' Nick appears obsessed by the figure, however the character is left ambiguous as his compliments have no real description of the character.
We realise the story will be told in past tense as 'Gatsby turned out all right in the end' - as the story is not in present tense it leaves open the possibility that it may not stick to a chronological order, while reassuring the idea that the narrative is told through Nicks memories, so he dictates what we will know from what he wishes to tell.
Nick has moved to West Egg after the great war much to the dismay of his relatives ' well ye-es' in the spring of twenty two. He admits he felt homely when a stranger asked him for directions, this character thrives of power driven by knowledge. He needs to know more than people around him. he prides himself of being 'rather literary in college' - he feels the need to implement the idea that he is intelligent.
The idea that 'life will start again in the summer' is planted, as though this space of time is significant in his life, as though it changed him. Convenient that he is placed 'between two eggs' extending the life theme. Gatsby's mansion is described as being huge, grand, epitome of his materialism. At this point we have only been exposed to his legacy and wealth. It juxtaposes against Nicks 'eyesore' yet it would be obvious that Gatsby's mansion is the centre of attention. People would be drawn to it. East egg is along the bay.
We become introduced to Tom and Daisy, Tom was an old Friend of Nicks and Daisy is his second cousin. He pessimistically describes Tom when stating he has already climaxed in his life, everything else is an anticlimax, his tone infers a dislike to the man. 'arrogant eyes'
The colour white is repeated in this scene, white reflective of purity but also could symbolise 'a blank slate' reinforcing the idea that this is the beginning of the book. the language 'fluttering' shows a kind of elegance about the women. However the beautiful imagery is stopped when Tom slams the doors to shit the wind out- could symbolise Tom's power and control.
Daisy is noted to have a face 'sad and lovely' as though the character is not at all happy, but her lovely jolly appearance is fabricated to cover he unhappiness.
Gasbys name is mentioned by Jordan, Daisy instantly questions the name, this is the first suggestion she has a past with the man in question. Odd that we are still yet to meet the protagonist, only hear of him. Builds intrigue.
Tom proceeds to talk of the white race being 'superior', he presents the ideas in an attempt to recover the the description of him being 'a brute of a man' he wishes to seem intelligent.
Jordans voice is used to start the rumours and ideas that Nick, being an outsider, would not be able to obtain, she tells us that 'Tom's got some woman'
We end the scene with \nick assuming a silhouette id Gatsby, by this we know Nick has the man in his head, and by this so do we. He mentions the green light across the bay for the first time.
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