Why does Jordan like Nick?

Today, we're exploring the curiously charming dynamic between Jordan Baker and Nick Carraway in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby." I mean, who wouldn't be fascinated by a romance that's less "fireworks over the harbor" and more "cautious sparks in a damp woodshed?" It's simply irresistible.

Jordan Baker, the cool, sophisticated, and enigmatic professional golfer, must have had her pick of suitors among the East Egg glitterati. So, it's only natural that she'd be drawn to Nick Carraway, that wide-eyed, morally upright (and uptight?) Midwesterner. I mean, isn't everyone just dying for a change of pace from the incessant whirlwind of parties and all the superficial glamour? For Jordan, Nick represents the breath of fresh (Midwestern) air that she's been craving.

Now, let's dive into the characteristics of Nick that really set Jordan's heart aflutter. First, there's his inherent modesty. Nick is no Tom Buchanan, flexing his polo muscles and parading his wealth around like it's going out of style (though, let's be honest, has it ever been in style?). No, Nick is our lovable, down-to-earth narrator who's just trying to keep his head above water in the sea of East Egg excess. How novel! A man who isn't constantly bragging about his yacht, racehorses, or the pedigree of his ancestors. Jordan must have found that positively thrilling.

Then, there's Nick's moral compass. In the land of unscrupulous East Eggers, our boy Nick is a regular Boy Scout. He's no part of the cheating, lying, and backstabbing that permeates the social circles of the elite. He disapproves of Gatsby's criminal connections, yet maintains a sense of loyalty to the man. How endearing, a man with actual principles! For Jordan, who has been known to bend the rules on and off the golf course, Nick's integrity must have been like a shiny, new toy she just couldn't wait to play with.

And let's not forget Nick's sincerity. In a world where everyone seems to have a hidden agenda, Nick is refreshingly genuine. He expresses his emotions without pretense and forms real connections with people, even with the likes of Gatsby and his enigmatic past. For someone like Jordan, who is used to the façade and artifice that pervades her social circles, Nick's candor must have been a welcome reprieve.

Finally, we can't ignore the allure of Nick's outsider status. For the first time, Jordan encounters someone who isn't smitten with her celebrity or beauty, but rather sees her for who she truly is. Nick, the nonchalant observer, isn't swayed by the East Egg theatrics, which must have been a fascinating novelty for Jordan. Can you imagine a man who isn't trying to wine and dine her just for the sake of appearances? How utterly unconventional and, dare I say, exciting!

In summary, it seems that Nick Carraway's appeal lies in his sheer "un-East Egg-ness." He's the Midwestern antidote to the ostentatious excess that Jordan Baker has grown tired of. With his modesty, moral compass, sincerity, and outsider status, Nick offers a refreshing change of pace from the usual East Egg suspects. It's like discovering a quaint, hidden bistro after years of dining at the same overpriced, flashy restaurants.