Chapter One Analysis

Nick starts the story with a reflection on his "younger and more vulnerable years". This highlights right from the beginning that Nick is the narrator and is thus controlling the chronology of the narrative. It suggests that he may be controlling other aspects of the story; this is relevant later in the book as readers begin to question his reliability as a narrator. However, at this point in the story, Nick comes across as educated and thoughtful, and readers, for the most part, instinctively trust him and his judgement.

We are also introduced to married couple Tom and Daisy Buchanan in this chapter, who go on to be pivotal characters in the story. Nick depicts them in a very specific way; it is worth noting that Nick is writing this story in hindsight, and the events that later occur in the novel may influence his portrayal of the characters (and hence the readers' opinions of them.) Nick uses language to create the vivid images of Tom and Daisy. Tom is described as having "shining arrogant eyes", a "hard mouth" and a "cruel body"; through Nick's portrait of Tom readers instantly see him as an antagonist, a domineering, aggressive, intimidating and appallingly racist character. References are also made to his mistress - Jordan tells Nick "Tom's got some woman in New York" - alluding to the themes of infidelity and 'love triangles' that later come to the forefront of the storyline.

Daisy, on the other hand, is described by Nick as "charming", "lovely" and "flower-like" with a "thrilling voice" and a "bright passionate mouth". In her first appearance in the novel she is dressed all in white, suggesting innocence and purity. She is presented as a frivolous, vivacious and almost angelic figure, and Nick seems to admire her at this point in the story. Later in the novel, Daisy is revealed to be selfish and "careless"; however, readers are instinctively drawn to her charm and 'sparkle', perhaps in the same way that Gatsby was. Daisy has a glittery exterior but later proves to be empty inside; perhaps a cynical reflection of American society at the time (this ties in with the theme of Gatsby representing the 'American Dream' later on in the novel!)

Gatsby is mentioned by Nick on the first page, referred to briefly as "the man who gives his name to this book" and who "represented everything for which [Nick had] an unaffected scorn." Despite Gatsby not actually coming into the story until Chapter 3, Nick from page one is speaking about Gatsby, hinting at Nick's adulation and the focus on Gatsby that the narrative will take. Gatsby also appears briefly at the end of the chapter, "emerg[ing] from the shadow" to look out at the green light (a symbol which becomes more significant later in the story) and then "vanish[ing]". Nick's mentions of Gatsby in this chapter are vague and somewhat mysterious, perhaps alluding to the elusive nature of Gatsby himself. This could also be further evidence of Nick controlling the story, as here he seems to be using some kind of narrative hook to pique the readers' interest.

We are also presented with the first of many settings within the book; Tom and Daisy's house. The house, or rather 'mansion', is a physical manifestation of their wealth and extravagance as people of 'old money'. Rich colours are described within their house, such as "wine coloured" rugs and the bright white of Daisy and Jordan's dresses; this contrasts to the lifeless grey of the Valley of Ashes in Chapter Two. Imagery such as the "frosted wedding-cake of the ceiling" further expresses the Buchanan's wealth, and mentions of an "Italian garden" and "French windows" alludes to culture and travel, things only the rich and prestigious would be exposed to at the time. The Buchanan's house is undoubtedly beautiful, but it is later revealed to be an unhappy home due to Daisy and Tom's incredibly strained marriage. This is perhaps yet another comment on society of the time; it may look beautiful and expensive, but inside it is empty and meaningless.