Sunday, March 10, 2013

Topic #3: Syntax

  • “He literally glowed; without a word or a gesture of exultation a new well-being radiated from him and filled the little room” (89).
Through this example of syntax, Jay Gatsby's joy easily surfaces. After five years, Gatsby is able to familiarize himself with the women he loved and to experience how much she has changed. Prior to being reunited with her by Nick, Gatsby worries that Daisy does not return his affections because she is already married to another man. However, when Gatsby learns that his love is returned, he is immediately filled with feelings of bliss and comfort.
  • “They were gone, without a word, snapped out, made accidental, isolated, like ghosts, even from our pity” (135).
This example of unique syntax demonstrates the chaos of emotions released, and it describes the emptyiness of Gatsby after the snapping of Tom. The short choppy phrases illustrates how the relationship bonds between Daisy and Gatsby- once very much in love with each other- now is one-sided as Daisy is gradually losing love for Gatsby and he is desperately holding on to his memories. Their feelings for each other have been suppressed from the realization of admitting their love aloud for everyone to hear. The desperate tone is prevalent as the two, Daisy and Gatsby, leave the room in a quiet manner and head for Gatsby's car to return home.

1 comment:

  1. This is an awesome dissection of Fitzgerald's sentence style and syntax. I love the way you described how the choppy sentences used throughout the novel are similar to Gatsby and Daisy's relationship. I agree that the choppy sentences somewhat define the relationship between Gatsby and Daisy and help Fitzgerald convey a certain desperate tone. I really enjoyed the quote you used for the second example of syntax. Your second example is much more thorough than your first and you did a really good job.

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