Nick Carraway is introduced in the story as a man who attended Yale University, and came from a pretty situated family. He moved from Minnesota to New York, after being educated in Yale and fighting in World War I, in hopes to learn the bond business. Carraway is pretty wealthy, but not as wealthy as the other characters in the book; setting him apart from the rest of the characters in the story. Nick Carraway is seen as aloof throughout the first chapter of "Great Gatsby"; a very reserved yet observant character. In the first page of the book, Nick Carraway remembers what his father told him in the past "whenever you feel like criticizing anyone . . . just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had." It is very funny that he mentioned this quote in the first page of the book, because throughout the book (especially during the dinner scene), Nick Carraway sits and observes everybody around him. He makes quick judgement about those around him (including his cousin and his brother-in-law). Carraway constantly mentions that he went to Yale for college; bringing it up in random conversations throughout the chapter. He seems very proud of the idea that he went to an ivy-league school, but doesn't call "Yale" by its name, but rather "New Haven", not wanting to seem too mainstream.We can infer from his use of large words in conversations instead of using simpler terms that he might think he is more educated than others because he went to an impressive college, which many people look highly upon and admire.
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Sneha GeorgeHeritage High School Archives
May 2015
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