Diction

·                    While Tom and Nick are visiting Myrtle Wilson, Tom’s mistress, at her husband’s shop, the author uses an arrangement of sullen diction to convey his grim tone. He describes Myrtle’s husband’s garage as “unprosperous and bare” and continues with mentioning that “the only car visible was the dust-covered wreck of a Ford which crouched in a dim corner” (25). The high level of diction Fitzgerald uses alludes to the fact that George Wilson’s garage was much of a failure. The words “unprosperous” and “wreck” represent the sadness and obscurity that surrounds the shop. These words cannot only be used to describe his shop, but also his failing marriage. His wife Myrtle constantly leaves to spend time with Tom without him suspecting a thing. The words add to the depiction of the shop because of the negative connotation they imply. The grim tone is created by Fitzgerald to convey the betrayal that occurs in the garage behind George Wilson’s back.

·                   During Nick and Tom’s excursion to George Wilson’s garage, the area George Wilson lives in is characterized as the “valley of ashes”(23). Everything having to do with this area is described with the use melancholy diction to create a somber tone. While waiting for Myrtle Wilson to meet with them, Nick and Tom wait down the road. During this waiting period Nick views a adolescent and narrates, “a gray, scrawny Italian child…”(26). The use of the words “gray” and “scrawny” characterizes the poverty that is viewed in this area. It adds to the depiction of George Wilson’s failure and low level of society and why Myrtle is constantly leaving to spend time with Tom. Fitzgerald uses this diction to further aid his portrayal of George Wilson and the somber tone that surrounds this area.

·                  While describing Gatsby’s appearance and attitude after meeting with Daisy at Nick’s house, Fitzgerald uses a charismatic tone which is conveyed through the use of his cheerful diction. He describes Gatsby by saying, “He literally glowed; without a word or a gesture of exultation a new well-being radiated from him and filled the little room”(89). The words “glowing” and “radiated” are usually associated with brightness or happiness and they imply the happiness Gatsby has obtained from finally meeting with Daisy again. By mentioning that “[Gatsby] filled the little room”, Fitzgerald implies how Gatsby’s happiness allows him to be seen as much larger because of this new found joy he has received by finally reuniting with Daisy. This part in the story adds to the characterization of Gatsby because this is a new side to him the audience is viewing. He is no longer seen as just the mysterious wealthy man who neighbors Nick, but an affectionate man with his eyes set on Daisy.