Even though most readers find Nick’s feelings towards Gatsby of a more platonic sort; nevertheless, there are several readers who find Nick’s feelings romantic because of the way he speaks, thinks, and acts towards and around Gatsby. The events of their first meeting, lunch date, and Gatsby’s death will help to further prove the romantic desires that can be found deep within Nick’s mind.
When they first meet, curiosity sparks almost immediately within Nick, revealing his subtle desires. They first meet face to face at one of Gatsby’s famous parties, though Nick knows not what Gatsby looks like. After Nick has been told, by the man himself that he has been speaking to Gatsby he immediately begins to observe his neighbour. Nick describes Gatsby’s smile as understanding—“…much more than [understanding]. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life.” (p.46). That is merely the beginning of a rather lengthy description that even teenage girls keen on describing men would not feel the need to repeat. The author, F. Scott Fitzgerald, may have wanted the readers to have a vivid image of Mr. Gatsby painted inside their minds, but having Nick as the writer/narrator makes Nick seem a fair bit interested. Later, during that very same conversation, Gatsby excuses himself to take a phone call and the moment Gatsby is out of ear shot, Nick finds himself questioning Jordan Baker. “Who is he?” (p.50), “where is he from…?” (p.50), and “…what does he do?” (p.50). Of course, these questions may be the result of the rumors that Nick has heard, but there is also the possibility that Nick is curious of Gatsby. Jordan realized Nick’s desires at this moment as well, “’Now you’re started on the subject,’ she answered with a wan smile.” (p.50). Nick begins his descriptions again as he watches Gatsby from