The Great Gatsby

Chapter 1

Pgs. 1-21

The novel, The Great Gatsby, begins with the narrator, Nick Carraway, describing himself as someone who does not judge others because his father taught him so. After serving in the war, Carraway moves to a little house in West Egg, next door to the Gatsby Mansion. One summer evening, he drives over to have dinner with his second cousin once removed, Daisy and her husband, Tom Buchanans, along with their friend, Jordan Baker who is also attending the dinner party. When Nick comes home, he sees Gatsby for the firs time. Gatsby’s hands are reaching out toward the dark water, but all Nick can see when he looks out there is a distant green light.

Character: Daisy Buchanan


“It was the kind of voice that the ear follows up and down as if each speech is an arrangement of notes that will never be played again. Her face was sad and lovely with bright things in it, bright eyes and a bright passionate mouth—but there was an excitement in her voice that men who had cared for her found difficult to forget…”

Daisy is a very delightful person who hides her emotions because she wants everything to work out and go according to plan. She puts others before herself and constantly stays positive and composed in front of her husband, even though she is suspicious that Tom is having an affair with another woman. When Nick comes into play, Daisy confides in him with what she is feeling because she completely trusts him. Thus far, Daisy plays the role of a faithful wife to Tom Buchanan. However, later on there may be a clash between Nick and Tom over Daisy.

Quote: “Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this

world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.”

            Being the first quote in this novel, this quote has a lot of significance. This was the first piece of advice Nick’s father had given him. To refrain from judging others is a very hard thing to do, yet Nick follows through with his commitment to his father’s advice during this entire chapter. Without judgment, people are given equal chances to be accepted and loved by others.