The Great Gatsby: Rhetorical Devices

·         Metonymy: “…and a little later I participated in that delayed Teutonic migration known as the Great War”(3).

·         Anadiplosis: “But above the gray land and the spasms of bleak dust which drift endlessly over it, you perceive, after a moment, the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg. The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg are blue and gigantic-“(23).

·         Chiasmus: I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled by the inexhaustible variety of life”(35).

·         Sarcasm: “‘Do the miss me?’ she cried ecstatically. ‘The whole town is desolate. All the cars have the left rear wheel painted black as a mourning wreath, and there’s a persistent wait all night along the north shore’”(9).

·         Allusion: “I bought a dozen volumes on banking and credit and investment securities, and they stood on my shelf in red and gold like new money from the mint, promising to unfold the shining secrets that only Midas and Morgan and Maecenas knew”(4).

            F. Scott Fitzgerald demonstrates an intricate and sophisticated writing style in “The Great Gatsby” by employing numerous rhetorical devices throughout. The story, effortlessly yet abruptly flowing from one stage to the next, is able to be enjoyed without notice of the author’s purposeful placement of devices like sarcasm and anadiplosis. However, devices such as these are strategically placed within the passage to develop characters and draw specific attention to important symbols. Sarcasm, for example, alludes to the charming and witty persona that Nick possesses. In reply to her question “do they miss me?”, Nick tells Daisy that “the whole town is desolate” and “the cars have the left wheel painted black as a mourning wreath.” His witty comment leaves a lasting impression on the reader and makes Nick very likable. The likability of the narrator is reminiscent of the author’s skillfulness in that it shows his knowledge and ability appeal to the audience. Furthermore, the anadiplosis used to introduce the element of “the eyes of JT Eckleberg” into the story gives readers the impression that “the eyes” will be  reoccurring and essential to the plot. By laying “the eyes of JT Eckleberg” at the end of one clause and the beginning of the succeeding clause, the phrase is highlighted and screams importance. The thought behind each action and incorporation of devices mirrors the maturity of the author by building on simple elements to create a well-rounded and complicated plot. Fitzgerald’s sophistication is furthered by more illusionistic and thought-provoking devices. The mention of “Midas and Morgan and Maecenas”, all historical or mythological characters that idolized wealth, alludes to the wealth-obsessed society of the twenties and adds a quality of credibility. The metonymy “delayed Teutonic migration” for the Great War exposes Nick’s most prominent trait; cynicism. It does so because the “nickname” he gave for the war is evidently negative and implies that he felt no patriotism whatsoever. So by stating the war as a drawn out and then, almost as if he does not mean it, “Great”, readers see the disapproval within Nick’s heart for almost all things that were popular in his time. Another brilliant strategy used by the author is chiasmus. Chiasmus often presents a contrast. When the contrast is illustrated directly side by side, like the quote “”I was within and without, simultaneously enchanted and repelled”, the author illuminates the differences. This specific quote is evidence of Nick’s torn opinion of his new friends. Fitzgerald’s inclusion of this device developed Nick and in a way, the reader is forced the determine whether they feel “enchanted” or “repelled’. By not only developing Nick further, but by bringing about a quarrel for the reader to settle, Fitzgerald brags a sophisticated and mature prose style.   Therefore, each device used and maneuver made by Fitzgerald sophisticates and gradually forms his brilliant story.