Meaningful Quote
"They're a rotten crowd,' I shouted from across the lawn. 'You're worth the whole damn bunch out together.' I've always been glad I said that. It was the only compliment I ever gave him, because I disapproved of him from the beginning to the end. First he nodded polite, and then his face broke into that radiant and understanding smile, as if we'd been ecstatic cahoots on that fact all the time."
(Fitzgerald, 146)
(Fitzgerald, 146)
This quote exhibits both examples of character development and character revelation.At the beginning of the novel Nick Carraway says "I'm inclined to reserve all judgements." (7) As the book progresses you get the impression that Gatsby and Nick have become good friends and that Nick may even admire Gatsby and his status, but it isn't until now that we fully understand their relationship. Nick and Gatsby are friends but, Nick has never approved and understood any of Gatsby's actions. This includes both the past and the present. The quote demonstrates the growth in Nick's character and shows how he has become much more open with his feelings and expressive of his opinions (to the audience).
Finally this quote reveals information about Gatsby as well. We know that Nick has never really stated any of his own ideas to Gatsby throughout the novel. At the beginning of the novel Gatsby was only using Nick to get to Daisy but as time continues and they spend more time together We also know that Gatsby becomes comfortable around Nick and doesn't hesitate to tell him the truth about his past. What we don't realize until now is how much Jay Gatsby appreciates Nick's company. To him, Nick is the closest friend he has probably ever had and one of the few people he has been able to confide in and rely on. When Nick complimented him, it meant much more to Gatsby then Fitzgerald made it seem.
Finally this quote reveals information about Gatsby as well. We know that Nick has never really stated any of his own ideas to Gatsby throughout the novel. At the beginning of the novel Gatsby was only using Nick to get to Daisy but as time continues and they spend more time together We also know that Gatsby becomes comfortable around Nick and doesn't hesitate to tell him the truth about his past. What we don't realize until now is how much Jay Gatsby appreciates Nick's company. To him, Nick is the closest friend he has probably ever had and one of the few people he has been able to confide in and rely on. When Nick complimented him, it meant much more to Gatsby then Fitzgerald made it seem.