"The Great Gatsby"- Chapter 1 Analysis - Comment on the style of characterisation that F.Scott Fitzgerald presents in chapter one.

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Reina Hashash

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“The Great Gatsby”- Chapter 1 Analysis

Comment on the style of characterisation the F.Scott Fitzgerald presents in chapter one.

The Great Gatsby- this title is merely an adjective or epithet for the main character of the story, which brings about the importance of characterization in the book. Fitzgerald has a rather unique style of characterization in his writing- especially in this book. His use of irony, strong diction and symbolism plays a significant role in conveying his certain ideologies about the people of this certain era, and the embodiment of the “great American dream”.

The eye of the story- Fitzgerald’s weapon of observation is Nick Carraway.  This character is established as a neutral narrator of the whole story and its characters, who are obsessed with class and privilege. However, he is not an inactive narrator. This literary device helps us get closer to Gatsby’s myth/man character. Carraway comes from a background of wealth and sophistication. He begins the novel by commenting on himself and believes that “Reserving judgements is a matter of infinite hope.” Thus, he has a tendency to reserve judgement and understand people without holding them up to his personal standards.

It is introduced to the readers that Carraway is humble, open and receptive because of the philosophy that has been passed down to him from his father. He seems quite tolerant and reveals a very pleasant personality. However, he sometimes has to make excuses for not listening to others. This shows honesty in him and how he speaks the truth about himself. Fitzgerald gets across his character by using a chain of words which represent his personality. Words like “levity” establish his lightness of tone and humour. We acknowledge Nick’s character to be that of a somewhat modest one.

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Carraway soon begins to describe Gatsby and his mysterious character. He can be quite rational about Gatsby and makes him quite attractive. He peculiarly gives the impression that he dislikes Gatsby, “who represented everything for which he has an unaffected scorn.” He then modulates it in his next lines, where he gives a somewhat two-sided opinion of Gatsby. This illustrates a dichotomy or duality- a split. In terms of Gatsby, the important dichotomy is between the public and private persona. Accordingly, the duality of J Gatsby is revealed through the centrality of Carraway.

“If personality is an unbroken ...

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