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How does Nick describe Gatsby? How was Gatsby “exempt” from his reaction? How was Gatsby different?

Nick describes Gatsby as possessing a certain kind of innocence, a goodness that granted Gatsby a "heightened sensitivity to the promises of life." Despite all the times life had been unfair to Gatsby, he had faith he could get all the things that he wanted—riches, Daisy, happiness—and he never seemed to lose a sincere and genuine hope that he could have it all. This kind of optimism is what sets Jay Gatsby apart from everyone else in the novel. Jordan is a pessimist and liar, and although Nick is attracted to her, he recognizes her fundamental elitism and dishonesty. Tom and Daisy Buchanan are, ultimately, "careless people" who can basically do whatever terrible things they want and get away with them because they can always disappear into their status and riches. Gatsby is a far better person than they (despite his illegal business activities). He seems to be exempt from Nick's negative judgment because of his fundamental goodness, something most of the other characters seem to lack.

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