The Great Gatsby: Chapter IV-V

In this section of The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald makes use of an awesome literary technique, flashbacks. Fitzgerald's flashback was unique, in that the narrator of the flashback was not in fact, usual narrator. Instead, Jordan Backer tells her tale as the first person narrator. I thought the use of the flashback was completely necessary and well-placed within the the novel. It allowed the reader to experience first-hand the events of the past, instead of having the story retold by the narrator years later. I also thought Fitzgerald's briefly switching the narration to Jordan gave the reader a unique oppertunity to glimpse the world from another character's eyes. For example, Jordan is able to explain to Nick (and the reader) unknown information regarding Gatsby and Daisy.Seeing Daisy through Jordan's eyes gives more characterization. For example, Jordan admits Daisy was "by far the most popular of all the young girls in Louisville (Fitzgerald, 73). This more popular and outgoing Daisy somewhat contradicts the slightly shy, introverted Daisy that Nick has come to know. Along with characterization, this flashback also reveals much of Gatsby's motivation throughout the novel, his love for Daisy.