Nick Carraway describes his first party at the Gatsby residence by narrating that the “laughter is easier minute by minute, spilled with prodigality, tipped out at a cheerful word”(40). From this sentence, it clear that the “Gatsby parties” are dreamlike. Using laughter as a measurement, Fitzgerald subtly communicates the progression of the party by the phrase “minute by minute.” This phrase also suggests an uneasy air at the beginning of the party since many “came without having met Gatsby at all” (41). The phrase “spilled with prodigality” not only depicts the sheer extravagance of these parties but also begs the question of the event being celebrated. Overall, the words denote a whimsical tone in that amidst the laughter and profligacy there is an air of curiosity in their host.
Gatsby takes Nick on an unexpected trip to visit an old friend of his. During their car ride they come across "a dead man…in a hearse heaped with blooms, followed by two carriages with drawn blinds, and by more cheerful carriages for friends. The friends looked out at [them] with the tragic eyes and short upper lips of southeastern Europe, and [Nick] was glad that the sight of Gatsby’s splendid car was included in their somber holiday” (69). Phrases such “dead man,” “drawn blinds,” and “tragic eyes” support a despondent tone. Among the lavish parties and scandalous affairs, Fitzgerald provides the valley of ashes as a complete opposite to better convey the vast difference between the wealthy and the poor. Disillusioned by wealth, Nick believes that the mere sight of something extravagant is enough to bring light on their somber day. The author’s connotative diction allows for a clear understanding of the situation while conveying an important message of societal differences.
I like that you pointed out the two main, over-arching styles of tone that Fitzgerald tends to use: cheerful and whimsical (such as at one of Gatsby's parties), or somber and melancholy (such as in the valley of ashes or describing isolated scenes in New York). The majority of Fitzgerald's diction is connotative which prompts the reader to draw their own conclusions and create their own inferences, which is a feature of Fitzgerald's writing that I appreciate.
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