Final answer:
Nick Carraway visits the Buchanans since Daisy is his cousin and he knows Tom from college, feeling skepticism towards their lifestyle. Jordan Baker's detached manner introduces Nick to the opulent yet morally ambiguous world linked with Gatsby, reflecting on themes central to Fitzgerald's depiction of the 1920s.
Step-by-step explanation:
In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the narrator, Nick Carraway, visits the Buchanans because Daisy Buchanan is his second cousin, once removed, and he also knows Tom Buchanan from college. During his visit, Nick meets Jordan Baker. He describes Tom's personality as having a "paternal contempt" and notes the arrogance inherent in his character. He is wary of the Buchanans' lifestyle and their flippant disregard for other people's feelings, suggesting a feeling of discomfort or skepticism. As for meeting Jordan Baker, initially, he is fascinated by her, yet her cynical attitude and detached manner of speaking make him feel a mix of admiration and disapproval.
The text reflects on themes such as wealth, social standing, and the superficiality of the rich, which Nick encounters first-hand during his visit. Fitzgerald's portrayal of the Buchanans brings to life the essential character of individuals in the 1920s, without making them symbols for anything greater; they are both flawed and somewhat representative of their time. Through these meetings, Nick is introduced to the opulent but morally ambiguous world that Gatsby is involved with, setting the stage for the novel's exploration of the American Dream and the darker side of wealth and success.