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Examples Of Connotation In The Great Gatsby

Decent Essays

Fitzgerald uses connotation, simile, kinetic imagery and temporal diction in the passage to suggest that in 1920’s American culture, displaying a prosperous outward appearance is the only viable means of achieving one’s goals. During the rightly named “Roaring 20’s”, America undergoes a progressive societal metamorphosis. However, the attractive nature of material wealth still holds tight within American minds. Gatsby longs for both authority over his peers, as well as a favored status within his class. It is implied through connotation, simile, temporal diction, and kinetic imagery that he can only reach these objectives by having a successful exterior profile. Fitzgerald uses simile and connotation to show that Gatsby has achieved the goals of American society through his wealth and affluent image. The luxurious connotation of Gatsby’s material possessions facilitates his attempt to achieve his …show more content…

By throwing lavish parties almost daily, Gatsby attracts the attention of all who live in the area. West and East Eggers alike flock to Gatsby’s mansion in hopes to drive around in the “Rolls-Royce” and “motor-boats”, drink the “champagne”, and be pampered by the “eight servants” that roam the grounds. Each of these commodities cost large sums of money to obtain; in effect they imply that Gatsby has an enormous amount of money and is extremely wealthy. By being in possession of these items, Gatsby is able to become a popular figure within the upper class of society, thus attaining the goal of being well known and admired. Similarly, the use of simile to describe those who congregate nightly at the Gatsby manor shows that Gatsby has accomplished his goal of establishing authority over his fellow New Yorkers. By comparing the people who swarm his home for his parties to “moths among the whisperings of the champagne and the stars”, Fitzgerald conveys the concept that Gatsby’s party guests are mindless

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