Nick is his closest friend

It’s been interesting following the conversations about this book. Our perspectives are definitely diverse and influenced by our age and experience, and as we’ve discussed certain people and topics I find myself having a much different view of the characters and situations than many in the class.

Now that I’ve finished the book I see Gatsby for the dreamer that he is, willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill his dreams. Dreamers draw people to them. Nick is a follower and, as will happen with dreamers, Nick is drawn to Gatsby by his money, influence in society, and his personality. Tragedy is another draw and when it strikes, it brings people who may not have been that close, closer. When Gatsby is killed, that act brings Nick closer to him and he feels sorry for Gatsby, but I would also say he feels somewhat responsible. Nick facilitated Gatsby in his quest for Daisy, helping them to get together, leading to Gatsby’s end.

Guilt can be a great motivator. It’s Nick’s guilt of involvement that drives Nick to work so hard to get people to Gatsby’s funeral. In the end, when he tells Gatsby’s father they were close friends, he’s probably telling what he thinks is the truth. Nick was probably the closest friend Gatsby had when he died. He was the only who cared, other than Gatsby’s father. He saw some dignity in Gatsby which is why he wiped the swear word from Gatsby’s porch. Though many of the things Gatsby told Nick about himself may have been exaggerated, he was probably more truthful with Nick than anyone else. If we’re looking for truth, Gatsby was probably not really close to anyone.