Syntax
Quotation Analysis/Article
Characterization
Conflict
Figurative Language
Author's Style
Theme
Monday, December 15, 2014
Theme
The theme prevalent throughout the Great Gatsby was the American Dream, an idea that if one works hard enough they could possess superior wealth and power, Gatsby embodies this dream. Growing up, "his parents were shiftless and unsuccessful farm people--his imagination had never really accepted them as his parents at all" (Fitzgerald 98). Gatsby's birth name was James Gatz and he was born into a poor family, although he was decided to make a name for himself. Gatsby was determined to do everything he could to earn his wealth and win back the affection of the lovely Daisy Buchanan. Nevertheless Gatsby achieved his goal of living the American Dream by being a bootlegger during the era of prohibition. His persistent desire to acquire his fortune, is the ultimate symbol of achieving the American Dream. However Gatsby may have earned his wealth, but in the end he did not obtain his ultimate motive for being wealthy, the affection of Daisy.
Author's Style
Throughout the Great Gatsby Fitzgerald utilizes many figurative language techniques such as imagery, symbolism and metaphors, these techniques are used to illustrate the setting of the novel. One example of imagery is when Nick describes the Valley of Ashes, he states; "[t]his is the valley of ashes--a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens; where ashes take the forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke and, finally, with a transcendent effort, of men who move dimly and already crumbling through the powdery air" (Fitzgerald 23). Nick's in depth illustration of the Valley of Ashes helps the reader picture the setting in their own mind and furthers one's understanding of the novel.
Another technique Fitzgerald employs in this novel is flowery and ornate diction, this style of writing is characterized by long, descriptive sentences. Fitzgeralds lavish writing style further depicts the characters and settings of his novel. An example of when flowery diction was utilized is when Nick portrays Daisy's character, he explains;
Another technique Fitzgerald employs in this novel is flowery and ornate diction, this style of writing is characterized by long, descriptive sentences. Fitzgeralds lavish writing style further depicts the characters and settings of his novel. An example of when flowery diction was utilized is when Nick portrays Daisy's character, he explains;
I looked back at my cousin, who began to ask me questions in her low, thrilling voice. It was the kind of voice that the ear follows up and down, as if each speech is an arrangement of notes that will never be played again. Her face was sad and lovely with bright things in it, bright eyes and a bright passionate mouth, but there was an excitement in her voice that men who had cared for her found difficult to forget a singing compulsion, a whispered 'Listen,' a promise that she had done gay, exciting things just a while since and that there were gay, exciting things hovering in the next hour (Fitzgerald 9.)Nick's in depth depiction of Daisy further expresses the upbeat tone that radiates from Daisy's voice when she speaks. Fitzgerald's use of imagery, symbolism and flowery diction all contribute to his descriptive style of writing.
Figurative Language
Throughout the Great Gatsby Fitzgerald utilizes symbolism, one prominent example is the green light. Nick first introduces the green light in the first chapter when he states "...he gave a sudden intimation that he was content to be alone--he stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way, and, far as I was from him, I could have sworn he was trembling. Involuntarily I glanced seaward--and distinguished nothing except a single green light.." (Fitzgerald 28). The green light that Gatsby is looking at is located across the bay at Daisy's house. This small light has such a significant meaning to Gatsby, it is symbolic of Gatsby closeness to Daisy and his dream to be with her again someday soon.
Article Connection
In this article titled, Just Thinking About Money Leads To Corruption: Study reveals that money plays a significant role in peoples lives as well as in the Great Gatsby. Money has the power to influence a person's morals as well as corrupt their personality. Gatsby is symbolic of corruption of wealth, he sees money as power and as a way to win back Daisy's affection and he will do anything to be wealthy, even be a bootlegger during the era of prohibition.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/16/money-corruption-study_n_3450724.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/16/money-corruption-study_n_3450724.html
Quotation Analysis
"I began to like New York, the racy, adventurous feel of it at night, and the satisfaction that the constant flicker of men and women and machines gives to the restless eye" (Fitzgerald 56).Nick is a new to New York, his family comes from the midwest where life described as simple. Prior to living in New York and meeting Gatsby, Nick was an honest and well-rounded man. Although his life in West Egg changes him and he begins to find himself. Nick reveals that New York intrigues him and gives him a new feeling of 'adventure' to coincide with 'raciness' of the night. The city fascinates Nick, he is at awe by the individuality that these people embody. Nick's new life in the city is altering his personality, into a more wholesome and individual person.
"...I am one of the few honest people that I have ever known" (Fitzgerald 59).In this passage, Nick has just realized that Jordan Baker, a woman which he is fond of possess the trait of dishonesty. This upsets Nick, although he knows he cannot pursue his relationship with Jordan until his relationship with a girl back home is over. This acknowledgement characterizes Nick's honesty as well as many of his other actions throughout the book. Nick is the only character that Fitzgerald mainly portrays as 'honest' and considerably innocent. Therefore his statement of himself being "...one of the few honest people.." (Fitzgerald 59) is widely accepted and agreed upon by readers.
Characterization
Tom Buchanan is one prevalent character in the Great Gatsby. He is a wealthy man of power, who inherited this riches from his family. Tom lives in the East Egg Village, a lavish neighborhood, that inhabits people who are from 'old money' families. Tom is a flat character, who has an arrogant personality and has no regard for others. Tom is openly having an affair with Myrtle Wilson, a woman who purely desires Tom's riches, although he has no regard for her, as well as his wife Daisy whom he does not try to hide his affair from.
It is obvious throughout the book that Nick does not care much for Tom, he describes him as;
..a sturdy straw-haired man of thirty with a rather hard mouth and s supercilious manner. Two shining arrogant eyes had established dominance over his face and gave him the appearance of always leaning aggressively forward. Not even the effeminate swank of his riding clothes could hide the enormous power of that body [...] it was a body capable of enormous leverage-- a cruel body (Fitzgerald 7.)Nick can see that Tom's condescending personality and air about himself radiates off from his body language. Tom's outspoken and superior dialogue gets the attention of others when he speaks. All throughout the novel Tom remains the same pompous and powerful character.
Conflict
One conflict present throughout the book is the external
tension between Gatsby and Tom Buchanan. Both characters are wealthy men of
power, who both desire the affection of Daisy Buchanan. Tom is first introduced
to Gatsby by Nick in a forty-second street cellar. When the two are introduced
“…a strained, unfamiliar look of embarrassment came over Gatsby’s face”
(Fitzgerald 74). Gatsby quickly leaves after he comes to the realization that
he has just met Daisy’s husband and he is impassioned by jealousy and rage.
After Gatsby and Daisy reunite at Nick’s house after almost five years of being
apart, Gatsby runs into Tom again while he is riding horses with Mr. and Mrs.
Sloane. The two engage in taunting banter and Gatsby tells Tom “I know your
wife” (Fitzgerald 102). Gatsby does this because he would like Tom to know that
Daisy was in love with him first and Gatsby wants to infuriate Tom, it works.
Tom quickly changes the subject and Mrs. Sloane invites Nick, Gatsby and Tom
over for dinner, Gatsby happily accepts the invitation. Tom is outraged that
Gatsby was invited and he makes snide comment that Mrs. Sloane does not
actually want him there. The following Saturday Daisy and Tom attend one of
Gatsby’s notorious parties; while they are there Tom is determined to find out
who Gatsby really is and how he earned his riches. However Daisy spends most of
her time dancing with Gatsby and they sneak off to Nick’s house to talk under
the white plum tree. While Tom and Daisy are leaving they both agree that the
people at the party were interesting although they were both applauded by some
of the guest’s behavior. The tension between the two of them at the party is
obvious, Tom makes condescending remarks about Gatsby being “new money” and
this continues throughout the entire book.
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