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Library's collection Library's IT development CancelA Narrator is not just a narrative device but his
presentation is significant since the reader's
perceptions of the characters and actions depend on the
way the narrator presents his story. Accordingly, the
quality of the narrator influences the reader's
understanding of the story.
The ironic greatness of Gatsby, the protagonist of
The Great Gatsby and the remarkable quality of Kurtz, the
protagonist of Heart of Darkness is believable and
acceptable because of the reliability of Nick Carraway
and Marlow as the narrators and commentators. The reader
can rely on Nick's and Marlow's information since they
tell truthful facts. What is more, they are the eye-witnesses
who describe events in which they are present
and involved. Moreover, their sensitivity and
understanding to the stories they tell have helped the
reader discover the corruption of their environments and
the real qualities of the protagonists. While as the
commentators, their reliability is determined through
their closeness to the characters and their understanding
of the actions they comment. Besides, the reader is able
to believe their comments because of their ability to see
problems objectively and to comment fairly.
The Great Gatsby and Heart of Darkness are similar
because both Nick Carraway and Marlow are presented as
the main characters of the novels. Their involvements in.
the problems of the protagonists lead them into
personality development. At the end of the novels both of
them make personal commitment, showing their loyalties to
the protagonists.