Great Gatsby - Chapter 2

Essay by robert0604Junior High, 9th gradeB, November 2014

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Write about the ways that Fitzgerald tells the story in Chapter 2

Fitzgerald uses a variety of techniques throughout the novel to draw in the reader into the story, in Chapter 2 there is a lot of evidence of these techniques being used and the way Fitzgerald uses them in exploring the chapter, such as pathetic fallacy, symbolism, narrative technique and shock. Also, the theme that runs throughout the novel is contrasts of class in society, which is clearly shown to reader in the example of Wilson being manipulated and controlled Tom Buchanan's 'supercilious' manner, this is shown by the action of which Tom attacked Myrtle, his mistress, at the end of the chapter.

Fitzgerald uses pathetic fallacy at the very start of the chapter to portray the narrator's mood and emotions at the time, such as 'grey land', 'bleak dust', 'dimmed', 'paint less days', 'small foul river' and 'dismal scene'.

Fitzgerald possibly uses this to reflect Nick's mood in having to have lunch with Tom Buchanan who he clearly shows to the reader is dislike towards this character, or even indicating to the reader the unwanted meeting with Tom's mistress, Myrtle Wilson. Fitzgerald perhaps uses this to interest the reader into questioning the reference to the weather and the setting at the start of the chapter in relation to Nick's emotions and asks why does Nick feel so 'grey', 'bleak' and just generally gloomy and negative towards this event as an introduction to Chapter 2.

Another technique Fitzgerald uses in Chapter 2 is symbolism; he uses the character, Doctor T.J. Eckleburg, to symbolise a respected person looking down at society, or even an object always present in some of the scenes throughout the novel, witnessing the events that occur; 'the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg are blue...