Structure:
There’s a split in the
structure of the chapter
It divides the
narration into section 1 (recollection of the party but largely conversation)
and section 2 (a short recap and Nick’s views on West Egg which is mostly in 1st person).
The divide changes times
Structure
tells the story by creating a time frame for the story to be based upon.
Narration:
Nick has the
main voice of the narrator
Chapter is built up with
narrated conversation form the other characters
This narration
tells the story because it gives the chapter a voice and points of time.
By having a
voice it gives the reader an understanding of the story’s origins, influences
and tone.
Imagery:
Nick compares
Gatsby’s party guests to moths, moths are drawn to
light and find this interest compulsive.
Metaphor saying how
‘bright’, ‘flashy’ and interesting the party is and people find it compelling to attend.
Insects
usually thought of as
coming in swarms,
represented by the sheer
amount of guests.
This imagery
is used to tell the story because it gives the reader a detailed description of
the party.
Language:
Uses the word “all” gives an idea of the volume of
people and size of the party.
Tells the reader how
great the party’s are, because no one turns up to an awful party.
An appearing
theme seems to be insects.
Language is
also used by Fitzgerald to tell the story, he uses singular words to slightly
change the way the chapter is interpreted and to mediate to the reader how he
wants the scene to be imagined.
Character:
First introduced to Gatsby
Description of
his party gives the reader an idea of his character before we meet him
Reader thinks
of him as a glamorous and lavish person in the same style of his parties
When we finally meet him there is some mild disappointment to the reader, he
seems rather reserved, doesn't drink and separates himself from the party for
most of the night
“one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal
reassurance in it.” A gleaming smile is closely related to the world of
Hollywood, and it is thought that all the big stars has perfect smiles, this
trait shows the reader his ’star like quality’ and makes the reader want to
find out more about him.
The difference between substance and appearance
Nick see’s the city’s beauty and enchantment,
saying it has an “adventurous feel”, but he also calls it “racy” which makes it
sound sleazier and more negative than his original view
Theme returns when describing his interest in Jordan
how he’s attracted to her but also knows she is a liar
and selfish
differences are made further apart by the fact that
his values from the Midwest are rather different to those held by the people of
New York
