The Stepping-Stone (Sandra Ackert - Smith)

         Chapter five is the first time that Nick appears to be a stepping-stone for Gatsby. Gatsby wants to get closer to his love interest, Daisy, by utilizing an already-established connection. Coincidently, this is also the first time that Gatsby displays weakness, vulnerability, and imperfection. Awkward and unsure, Gatsby is nervous about his first impression on Daisy, and tries to overcompensate. “Gatsby, his hands still in his pockets, was reclining against the mantelpiece in a strained counterfeit of perfect ease, even of boredom” (86).  Is Gatsby intentionally using Nick just to get closer to Daisy? Is it appropriate to use Nick as a stepping-stone given the context of their relationship? Even if a relationship is superficial, is it acceptable for one person to take advantage of another?