Rhetorical Analysis Of The Great Gatsby

Azar Nafisi, an award winning writer proclaims, " The negative side of the American Dream comes, when people pursue success at any cost, which in turn destroys the vision and the dream.”. Nafisi states the American Dream offers success, however, the ambition and greed to achieve prosperity will ultimately dissatisfy the individual-sinking them into a never-ending abyss of isolation. In " The Great Gatsby", Francis Scott Fitzgerald implies a similar theme on the pursuit, moreover the lavish lifestyle of the American Dream; primarily using Gatsby as a symbol of it's triumph and corruption. Throughout the passage, Fitzgerald utilizes key rhetorical elements, including syntax and imagery; emphasizing Gatsby’s blind pursuit of his so-called aspiration.

For instance, the author uses imagery to portray a unique visualization of Jay Gatsby’s luxurious lifestyle. " On week-ends his Rolls Royce became an omnibus, bearing parties to and from the city between nine in the morning and long past midnight...(pg.39)." As Gatsby now resides in an elaborate conduct, he is distinguished in the perceived success in hunt of prosperity. The chimera displayed by Fitzgerald, indicates Gatsby's conduct is the direct desire of the ones who pursued success in the era. His journey from rags to riches, make him the ideal embodiiment of the American dream. Fitzgerald uses syntax to convey the theme of the aspiration towards the audience. In the passage, syntax is used to describe the pleasant and extravagant setting of Gatsby's party. " In his blue gardens, men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars.(pg. 39)". The syntax displayed, emphasizes party's unique luxury. Gatsby’s frequent celebrations would gain recognition of his wealth and power to others. Many attend the event as it is the ideal setting of an extravagant environment, whom many lust to achieve. Moreover, Fitzgerald uses various forms of rhetorical devices to illustrate the materialistic wealth from Gatsby's success in the

For an example, throughout the passage, Fitzgerald uses diction to portray Gatsby as an isolated and mysterious man. " Sometimes they came and went without having met Gatsby at all...(pg.41)." As the host of many upscale parties, it is ironic Gatsby himself does not attend the event. Instead, he finds pleasure from overseeing those who seem to be enjoying the party. In addition, to satisfy his desires, Gatsby frequently flaunts of his wealth to others- thus revealing his insecurity . Furthermore, as he finds materialistic success, Gatsby realizes his wealth does not lead to a path of his happiness. Gatsby's remain an illusion-corrupted by the desire of the luxurious lifestyle he possesses; forging an image that does not represent his true self. " ...but the two or three people of whom I asked his whereabouts stared at me in such an amazed way, and denied any knowledge of his movements…(pg.42)." To the audience, Gatsby remains a symbol of success and desolation in the American Dream. He has created a masked image of himself to society- becoming a man with false perceptions of of prosperity. Likewise, Gatsby falls into his own desolation and anguish from the corrupt pursuit of wealth and temporal ideas. Although Gatsby is able to achieve financial stability, he is never able to find happiness and that sense of satisfaction and fulfillment that he