Gatsby Rhetorical Analysis
Fitzgerald uses many rhetorical strategies throughout the course of the novel The Great Gatsby. A book filled with characters each trying to pursue their own versions of the American Dream. His strategic use of devices such as diction and imagery which help to contribute to themes that can be seen throughout the book such as the past, class struggles, the use of specific color choice, and most importantly, the American Dream.
In the last passage of the novel, Fitzgerald continues with his strong word choice. This can be seen in the sentence “there were hardly any lights except the shadowy, moving glow of a ferryboat across the Sound. And as the moon rose higher the inessential houses began to melt away until gradually I became aware of the old island here that flowered once for Dutch sailors’ eyes…” which demonstrates Nick’s negative view on life after having experienced Gatsby’s death and the dearth of people that attended the funeral. Fitzgerald’s use of “inessential houses” can be connected to Gatsby’s grand house, which was a representation of what he strived to achieve. The sole reason for building his house on West Egg and throwing grand parties so often was for the hope that one day, Daisy would appear. However, when the word “inessential” is paired with houses, it demonstrates that having such a grand lifestyle wasn’t needed. Gatsby’s definition of the American Dream was to become a part of those of old wealth and Daisy Buchanan was his gateway to achieve that, but it didn’t necessarily guarantee his happiness. Gatsby’s dream was doomed to fail, as seen by “he did not know that it was already behind him, somewhere back in that vast obscurity beyond the city…” and relates to the themes of class struggles and the past. Gatsby and Daisy’s love story began when they were younger, but Gatsby could not marry her due to their differences in social standing. After a five year gap, in which Gatsby made himself wealthy, he returned thinking that Daisy could erase
In the last passage of the novel, Fitzgerald continues with his strong word choice. This can be seen in the sentence “there were hardly any lights except the shadowy, moving glow of a ferryboat across the Sound. And as the moon rose higher the inessential houses began to melt away until gradually I became aware of the old island here that flowered once for Dutch sailors’ eyes…” which demonstrates Nick’s negative view on life after having experienced Gatsby’s death and the dearth of people that attended the funeral. Fitzgerald’s use of “inessential houses” can be connected to Gatsby’s grand house, which was a representation of what he strived to achieve. The sole reason for building his house on West Egg and throwing grand parties so often was for the hope that one day, Daisy would appear. However, when the word “inessential” is paired with houses, it demonstrates that having such a grand lifestyle wasn’t needed. Gatsby’s definition of the American Dream was to become a part of those of old wealth and Daisy Buchanan was his gateway to achieve that, but it didn’t necessarily guarantee his happiness. Gatsby’s dream was doomed to fail, as seen by “he did not know that it was already behind him, somewhere back in that vast obscurity beyond the city…” and relates to the themes of class struggles and the past. Gatsby and Daisy’s love story began when they were younger, but Gatsby could not marry her due to their differences in social standing. After a five year gap, in which Gatsby made himself wealthy, he returned thinking that Daisy could erase