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F. Scott. Fitzgerald (September 24, 1896—December 21, 1940) is an American author of novels and short stories, whose works are typical of the Jazz Age. F. Scott. Fitzgerald is regarded as a member of the “Lost Generation” of the 1920s. He wrote four novels, namely, This Side of Paradise, The Beautiful and Damned, Tender Is the Night and The Great Gatsby. Fitzgerald also wrote many short stories. Undoubtedly, as his most celebrated masterpiece, The Great Gatsby let Fitzgerald become one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century.
The Great Gatsby is based on the prosperous Long Island of 1920s, so it shows readers a true situation during the Roaring Twenties. The 1920s of America is usually considered as a peculiar period, because the economy surged sharply and the sense of social spirit disoriented, which is depicted in this novel. The novel fully reveals the life and people of the Jazz Age, showing the epicurean, indulging, and immoral ethos of the whole American society and people’s fascination about wealth and enjoyment, looking down upon and deserting the traditional faiths and values.[1] The World War I ended in 1918, there is no doubt that America was a big winner. During the beginning of the World War I, America provided arms to other countries, so America earned lots of money. The economic power increased sharply. After the World War I, America entered an unprecedented era of big industry and material abundance in 1920s. America was filled with the decadence of social morals. The traditional moral values were faced with challenge, so people in that time were addicted to materialism in order to make their life less insufferable. They pursued pleasure-seeking and money-making life.
The Great Gatsby fully explores the disillusionment and despair of the lost generation through the personal tragedy of a young man whose “ incorruptible dream” is easily smashed into pieces by the crude reality.[2] Here comes the main plot of the novel. A young man named Nick Caraway came to New York City in spring of 1922. He began to be involved in the life of his neighbor at Long Island, Jay Gatsby, a very rich man, who always invited lots of guests to his party. Gatsby told Nick that he fell in love with Nick's cousin Daisy before the war. Nevertheless, Daisy married Tom Buchanan who was wealthy and from upper social class. Gatsby lost Daisy because of his poverty, but he still loved her. Then he persuaded Nick to help him regain Daisy’s love. In the end, Daisy drove Gatsby's car and caused a serious car accident, which killed Myrtle Wilson who had extramarital affair with Tom Buchanan. Gatsby remained silent in order to protect Daisy, but Tom told Myrtle's husband Wilson it was Gatsby who killed his wife. Wilson murdered Gatsby and then committed suicide. It was Nick who arranged Gatsby's funeral, although only Gatsby's father and one former guest attended. Finally, Nick returned to his Midwest home.
In The Great Gatsby, many themes have been analyzed by scholars and critics, such as the destruction of the American Dream and the reasons of Gatsby’s tragic ending, and the narrative techniques, which are frequently seen. I want to analyze from a different and novel perspective. Undoubtedly, the narrator of this novel—Nick Carraway, who is sometimes neglected by critics. It is acknowledged that Nick Carraway plays a significant role in this story. So analyzing the multiple identities of Nick Carraway is meaningful. It can make readers have a better understanding of the novel. In my opinion, there are four identities that Nick Carraway plays. First, he is the first-person narrator. Moreover, he is a participant in the whole story. The third identity he acts is a morality spokesman of Fitzgerald. Finally, there is no doubt that he plays a role of morality defender. Personally, I believe that more scholars and critics will attach importance to the role Nick Carraway, and more different aspects about Nick Carraway will be explored.