The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby

Stylistic Prose Techniques

Selection of detail.

Fitzgerald employs heavy details to introduce the setting of the novel and characters who will be playing an important role in the future events.

“my house was….fifteen thousand a season”. The house is described here.

“Her face was sad and lovely………hour” (Ch 1). This detail introduces Daisy who attracts men, and how this would be exciting Gatsby.

Gatsby, is introduced as a character who has rumors prevailing about his personality:

“If personality is an unbroken series……” (Ch 1).

Another prose technique is used to demonstrate Nick's romantic liking for Miss Baker:

“her voice compelled me……..” (Ch 1).

Use of syntax and symbol.

Syntax is used to describe the valley which is grey and where the lower class lives:

“This is a valley of ashes……….” (Ch 2). This valley is also a symbol that describes the state in which the poor live

The symbol of green light is used by the writer to portray the hopes of Gatsby. Gatsby even points out to this light:

"You always have a green light that burns all night at the end of your dock."

The green light also depicts how the immigrants looked towards America when they came here to settle.

Tom though involved in an affair with Myrtle still loves his wife which is evident when he slaps Myrtle after she shouts Daisy's name again and again.

Gatsby's house and the party are described in details which demonstrate the wealth of Gatsby.

“By seven o'clock the orchestra has arrived……drums” (Ch 2).

The behavior of the guest appears pretty odd and they arrive at the party even if they do not know Gatsby.

“Once there they were introduced…..without having met Gatsby………” (Ch 3)

Point of view.

The point of view of Nick is used by the writer to describe Gatsby when he finally makes an appearance:

“…..rare smiles………” (Ch 3).

Point of view is used in chapter six as Nick narrates his thoughts about Gatsby after learning about his life.

Organization.

The writer classifies the guests at Gatsby's house by describing them.

“From East Egg…. ” (Ch 4, para 4).

The list shows the high number of people invited by Gatsby even though he did not know them.Diction

The writer uses diction to describe the relationship between Gatsby and Daisy. Gatsby is almost pale to death when he sees Daisy climb out of the car. This is a simile that shows the nervousness of Gatsby.

Tone.

The writer describes the tone of Daisy and Gatsby's voice in an awkward manner. The voice of Daisy was clear while that of Gatsby was like a choking murmur. This shows that their relationship initially is not on a good footing.

The relationship is conveyed as having improved after Daisy's whispers to Gatsby as having “fluctuating…….over-dreamed” (Ch 5).

16. This brings about a change in the mood of Gatsby which is indicative when Nick describes Gatsby as

“……. change in Gatsby….He literally glowed……..little room” (Ch 5). The writer uses metaphors to describe the change in Gatsby's mood.

Motif.

17. The weather is used as a motif by the writer. There is pouring rain at Gatsby and ...