Quotation Analysis

"I began to like New York, the racy, adventurous feel of it at night, and the satisfaction that the constant flicker of men and women and machines gives to the restless eye" (Fitzgerald 56). 

Nick is a new to New York, his family comes from the midwest where life described as simple. Prior to living in New York and meeting Gatsby, Nick was an honest and well-rounded man. Although his life in West Egg changes him and he begins to find himself. Nick reveals that New York intrigues him and gives him a new feeling of 'adventure' to coincide with 'raciness' of the night. The city fascinates Nick, he is at awe by the individuality that these people embody. Nick's new life in the city is altering his personality, into a more wholesome and individual person.

"...I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known" (Fitzgerald 59).

In this passage, Nick has just realized that Jordan Baker, a woman which he is fond of possess the trait of dishonesty. This upsets Nick, although he knows he cannot pursue his relationship with Jordan until his relationship with a girl back home is over. This acknowledgement characterizes Nick's honesty as well as many of his other actions throughout the book. Nick is the only character that  Fitzgerald mainly portrays as 'honest' and considerably innocent. Therefore his statement of himself being "...one of the few honest people.." (Fitzgerald 59) is widely accepted and agreed upon by readers.