"And, after boasting this way of my tolerance, I come to the admission that it has a limit. Conduct may be found on the hard rock or the wet marshes, but after a certain point I don't care what it's founded on." (p. 11)
From context:
Nick Carraway begins this quote rather ironically; he says he has a greater acceptance of those who aren't of the same wealth or fortune, yet sees himself as superior to them in terms of humility. He then continues to follow with an admission that he's skeptical in regards as how far that humility would strech. And finally, he blatantly states that he is tired of having to tread lightly around the people he meets.
Literary Importance: CRUX
Essentially, this quote lays the first foundations upon which the reader begins to question the reliability of Nick Carraway as a narrator. In the context being viewed, he boasts that he is one to reserve judgement. However, as we later find out, this may or may not be the case. Regardless, it brings the issue if Nick, as the narrator of this novel, understands himself well enough to provide an account to the reader that does not come out stilted and opinionated.
Further Exploration on this topic:
- What is the purpose of a narrator in a novel?
- Note the diction used to present characters (Daisy, Jordan, Tom, and especially Gatsby)
- https://alyzaanne.wordpress.com/2013/10/19/nick-carraway-an-unreliable-narrator/
- http://nealabbott.wordpress.com/2012/10/09/the-reliability-of-nick-carraway-part-one-the-naysaying-narrator/
Nick Carraway begins this quote rather ironically; he says he has a greater acceptance of those who aren't of the same wealth or fortune, yet sees himself as superior to them in terms of humility. He then continues to follow with an admission that he's skeptical in regards as how far that humility would strech. And finally, he blatantly states that he is tired of having to tread lightly around the people he meets.
Literary Importance: CRUX
Essentially, this quote lays the first foundations upon which the reader begins to question the reliability of Nick Carraway as a narrator. In the context being viewed, he boasts that he is one to reserve judgement. However, as we later find out, this may or may not be the case. Regardless, it brings the issue if Nick, as the narrator of this novel, understands himself well enough to provide an account to the reader that does not come out stilted and opinionated.
Further Exploration on this topic:
- What is the purpose of a narrator in a novel?
- Note the diction used to present characters (Daisy, Jordan, Tom, and especially Gatsby)
- https://alyzaanne.wordpress.com/2013/10/19/nick-carraway-an-unreliable-narrator/
- http://nealabbott.wordpress.com/2012/10/09/the-reliability-of-nick-carraway-part-one-the-naysaying-narrator/