- Polysyndeton: (40) “a whole pitful
of oboes and trombones and saxophones and viols and cornets and piccolos,
and low and high drums” (40)
The excess of
conjunctions creates the sense of immense wealth that Gatsby possesses. With
each additional conjunction, the list of instruments grows longer and longer to
emphasize Gatsby's affluence. Fitzgerald includes this polysyndeton to fully
depict to the reader just how rich he is. His purpose of illustrating Gatsby's prosperity
is achieved through his exaggeration through the use of this syntactical and
list-like device, polysyndeton. This creates Fitzgerald's tone of the
disillusionment of the lost generation in the 1920s by showing that all that
much of the generation cared for were material possessions and the acquisition
of riches.
- Anaphora: “all well dressed, all
looking a little hungry, and all talking in low, earnest voices” (42).
Fitzgerald illustrates the sameness in the population of
the 1920s. Throughout his novel, the theme of conformity is exposed by his
description of the generation. This example of repetition of the word “all”
emphasizes his contempt for the conformity of society and establishes his
disdainful tone towards the New Era population.
- Epistrophe: “hat-boxes and supper-boxes
and tool-boxes” (64).
The repetition of “boxes” at the end of each phrase
emphasizes Gatsby's enormous wealth by telling the reader of how many purchases
Gatsby makes on a daily basis. The slightly hyperbolic statement emphasizes
that Fitzgerald considers the population of he 1920s to be only concerned with
wanton spending. This syntactical device adds to the feeling the reader
receives from Fitzgerald's beliefs on the pettiness of the lost generation.
Although you could have had more examples to analyze the tone of Gatsby, your examples do thoughtfully analyze the Fitzgerald's structure of writing. The long repetition of phrases and ideas in the book portray Gatsby's ominous tone yet again. Like Evelyn said in her blog, the polysyndeton was a strong example of Fitzgerald dull mysterious tone and you seemed to capture this also. Your interpretation of the repetition of "boxes" really supported Fitzgeralds goal to show Gatsby's immense wealth that did not really mean that much. The repetitions made what was being repeated less significant because it became boring and unimportant; like the guests that came to Gatsby's parties. In all, you effectively showed how this devices syntacticly portrayed Fitzgeralds tone and all of the characters unspoken feelings and ideas.
ReplyDelete