Blog Topic #2: Diction

• Fitzgerald conveys an altering tone in the main character, Nick Carraway, through the use of strong, connotative diction. Near the beginning of the novel, Jordan Baker exclaims how Nick “‘[reminds her] of a—of a rose, an absolute rose’” (14), which in response, Nick simply narrates that “This was untrue. [He is] not even faintly like a rose” (14). By applying the phrase “not even faintly like a rose,” the author blatantly negates Baker’s statement. As a result, this creates a cynical and sarcastic tone, apparent through his negative words, such as “untrue” and “not even.” Nick often uses sarcasm in his narrative, to depict his little patience and annoyance with certain people, however, on occasion, he can come off as rude or impolite. Overall, though, without the author’s ironic tone, evident through his negative diction, Nick’s character would not be well- established nor, would be as strong a personality.
• Following Gatsby’s death, Nick attempts to rally several people together to attend Gatsby’s funeral, but each time, the attempt was a failure. With an exception to Gatsby’s father, Nick states that his efforts “[weren’t of] any use. Nobody came” (174). In addition, Nick continues to portray the procession and exclaims how there was “a thick drizzle” and the hearse was “horribly black and wet” (174). Nick demonstrates a shocked yet, forlorn tone in this passage through his negative descriptions and detailed imagery of the scene. He describes the physical conditions of the day of the funeral to be as dreary as the funeral itself; everything is black and wet, almost as if the sky was mourning, as well.