Gatsby Rhetorical Analysis free essay sample

Fitzgerald uses many rhetorical strategies throughout the course of the novel The Great Gatsby. A book filled with characters each trying to pursue their own versions of the American Dream. His strategic use of devices such as diction and imagery which help to contribute to themes that can be seen throughout the book such as the past, class struggles, the use of specific color choice, and most importantly, the American Dream. In the last passage of the novel, Fitzgerald continues with his strong word choice. This can be seen in the sentence â€Å"there were hardly any lights except the shadowy, moving glow of a ferryboat across the Sound. And as the moon rose higher the inessential houses began to melt away until gradually I became aware of the old island here that flowered once for Dutch sailors’ eyes†¦Ã¢â‚¬  which demonstrates Nick’s negative view on life after having experienced Gatsby’s death and the dearth of people that attended the funeral. We will write a custom essay sample on Gatsby Rhetorical Analysis or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Fitzgerald’s use of â€Å"inessential houses† can be connected to Gatsby’s grand house, which was a representation of what he strived to achieve. The sole reason for building his house on West Egg and throwing grand parties so often was for the hope that one day, Daisy would appear. However, when the word â€Å"inessential† is paired with houses, it demonstrates that having such a grand lifestyle wasn’t needed. Gatsby’s definition of the American Dream was to become a part of those of old wealth and Daisy Buchanan was his gateway to achieve that, but it didn’t necessarily guarantee his happiness. Gatsby’s dream was doomed to fail, as seen by â€Å"he did not know that it was already behind him, somewhere back in that vast obscurity beyond the city†¦Ã¢â‚¬  and relates to the themes of class struggles and the past. Gatsby and Daisy’s love story began when they were younger, but Gatsby could not marry her due to their differences in social standing. After a five year gap, in which Gatsby made himself wealthy, he returned thinking that Daisy could erase her marriage with Tom and the fact that she had a child as well, all to return with Gatsby. This belief that he could relive what happened in the past was Gatsby’s major flaw throughout the novel and the reason that he would never be able to achieve his American Dream. He was permanently stuck in this fantasy world of his and couldn’t move on. Another rhetorical strategy that Fitzgerald used in The Great Gatsby was the use of imagery. This imagery often times connected to the theme of colors in the book. An example of this would be â€Å"I thought of Gatsby’s wonder when he first picked out the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock,† and the image that stands out here is that of the green light. Throughout the novel, the green light has been symbolic of Gatsby’s dream of achieving winning over Daisy. Green is a color that represents envy and money Fitzgerald’s decision to make this light green is most likely due to the fact that Gatsby wanted Daisy by his side because she was associated with the people of East Egg that have old wealth. With the status of old wealth, Gatsby would finally be able to achieve the dream he had set for himself since the age of seventeen when he decided to create the platonic conception of himself. He was never truly in love with Daisy; he was simply in love with the idea of having her by his side. Although Gatsby’s dream ultimately failed, Fitzgerald ends the novel with a hopeful tone. This can be seen in â€Å"It eluded us then, but that’s no matter—to-morrow we will run faster; stretch out our arms father†¦And one fine morning— So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past,† which represents the continuation of the pursuit of the American Dream. People may fall during this chase, but the American Dream is not something that can be achieved after one try. Persistence and dedication are necessary, but not to the point of obsession as Gatsby did.