Great Gatsby: Diction

Nick Carraway narrates “The Great Gatsby” with a dark cynicism in his encounters with the characters. His disapproval of society is showcased by sarcastic, dark and juxtaposing diction. In response to Daisy’s question “Do you want to hear about the butler’s nose?” Nick teases, “that’s why I came over tonight”(13). The sarcastic reply gives readers insight into Nick’s cynical perspective in that it shows his loftiness. He seems to feel as if he is above her because he sees himself as an educated, contributing member of society and the petulant slander that Daisy takes part in is too immature for a man of his caliber. The dark and almost sinister description of the Jewess at the restaurant also asserts his disdain for the morally deprived society. Nick noted that the woman glared at him with “dark, hostile eyes”(170).  The impression that the woman gives provides a hint to Nick that she possesses the very quality that he loathes; self-indulged.  The narrator’s cynicism is also highlighted in his juxtaposed phrases. He calls Daisy’s laugh “absurd [and] charming”(8). The two words, though they do not completely contrast, are not coordinating. They allude towards the darkness inside of Daisy. Perhaps Nick saw the careless and selfish qualities when she laughed. The description of Daisy’s laugh as absurd and charming directly relates back to her own comments about her daughters gender; I’m glad it’s a girl. And I hope she’ll be a fool- that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool”(17). Why would anyone desire for their child to be a fool? Simply because of the time. The woman in the story, and typical of the 1920’s era, held little to no moral decency and preferred to conduct their external appearance with more sincerity their internal.  Nick realizes this lack of uprightness and responds by negatively portraying them in the story. Conclusively, Nick is astonished with the depravity of the “West within the East” and though he remains tolerant in his personal accounts with the characters, his narration hides no sense of cynicism whatsoever.