Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Blog Topic #2: Diction
In his recounting of the events following Gatsby’s death, the author conveys, through Nick, a repulsive tone towards the situation through his use of diction. Immediately following Gatsby’s murder, his mansion is stuffed with reporters, photographers, detectives and policemen. Nick views the reporters as “grotesque, circumstantial, eager, and untrue” people merely wanting to be the first to publish the story of his murder (163). The specific word choice employed by Fitzgerald reinforces the underlying agitated tone in that these words are commonly used to describe those who are utterly disliked in society. He later on describes that a group of people were “clustered open-mouthed about the pool,” the crime scene (163). His use of the phrase “open-mouthed” portrays his contempt, for it illustrates the group of people as unintelligent persons unable to control their body and hide their amazement of the scene before them. Again he criticizes the reporters by labeling them a “nightmare” (163). By using the comparison of the tangible persons to the abstract idea, Fitzgerald’s repulsive tone is supported once again as a nightmare is abhorred and unwanted by everyone. Fitzgerald’s use of such specific diction allows himself to effectively reveal the novel’s underlying tones of the situations at hand.
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I like your analysis of his diction when describing Gatsby's death and the detail in which you noticed how Fitzgerald used every word to connote an aggressive tone towards the crowds surrounding Gatsby's death. His constant use of negative diction throughout the passages are very helpful in creating each of the different tones which you noted. I didn't even notice all of the different words he used to express an angry tone towards the public around Gatsby's death and your interpretation was quite thorough.
ReplyDeleteThe diction Fitzgerald chooses to implement into his writing effectively establishes the repulsive tone that you suggested. Towards the end of the novel when Nick is describing the reporters, you can further develop your commentary by stating that the author chose to utilize negatively connotated words. Not only do they create a negative atmosphere but they also show Gatsby's true affect on the world. Also, Fitzgerald uses high and formal diction. This is presented in the polysyllabic words he uses. For instance, in your examples listed, he says "grotesque" and "circumstantial."
ReplyDeleteI also liked that you brought up the idea that Fitzgerald used his word choice to specifically develop the tone. His negative and often pessimistic words or phrases at the end of The Great Gatsby clearly support the agitated/repulsive tone he had for the reporters.