The Great Gatsby Weather Analysis

Natural Elements Define Emotions Weather and heat are great metaphors for life-sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad, and there’s nothing you can do about it (Pepper Giardino). In the novel The Great Gatsby by Scott Fitzgerald, a narrator named Nick Carraway tells the story about his neighbor, Gatsby, who is filled with wealth and love. Nick grows to know Gatsby and is involved with all the incidents that happen during the novel. Throughout the story, there are reoccurring elements and literary devices. Weather and heat are frequently used to represent the setting of internal emotions within the characters. Therefore, Fitzgerald uses weather to symbolize Gatsby’s inner emotions and heat to symbolize the climax of the story and the anger

There is a climatic confrontation between Tom and Gatsby. Nick claims, “the next day was broiling, almost the last, certainly the warmest, of the summer. (Fitzgerald 114). This foreshadows an intense scene in which characters confront the harsh reality of their dreams and love. When Tom, Daisy, Jordan, Nick, and Gatsby arrive at the Plaza Hotel, Fitzgerald makes a vivid description and dwells on the extreme heat. The heat inflicts a conflict, which symbolizes the confusion and tension of the characters. Daisy says, “But it’s so hot and everything’s so confused” (Fitzgerald 118). Daisy is relating the heat to her current situation between Gatsby and Tom; she does not know who to choose. The heat plays an integral role in Daisy’s past feelings for both men. Later, Tom confronts Gatsby about his lies and the truth comes out. The mix and confusion of emotions rise and explode. Daisy storms out of the Plaza Hotel and Gatsby follows her. The climax of the story is finally portrayed as Gatsby and Daisy’s relationship reached its peak. It all started on a rainy day, but ends on the hottest day. Therefore, Fitzgerald uses heat to create a climax of the story as well as bring the truth: Daisy loves Gatsby, but loves Tom’s money