Diction

·      F. Scotts Fitzgerald constantly utilizes different forms of diction in order to convey his various tones through out the novel. For example in Chapter 3 of The Great Gatsby, the author incorporates positively connoted word choice to demonstrate the immense excitement and exhilaration that the characters experience in result of one of Gatsby’s parties. Using such words demonstrate the liveliness and enjoyable scene in which the characters are experiencing. For example, he discusses how “girls were putting their heads on men’s shoulders in a puppyish, convivial way, girls were swooning backward…” (50). Formal diction, such as “puppyish,” “convivial,” and “swooning,” all contribute to the positive emotions emanating from the crowd. In addition, other words and phrases such as “prodigality,” “enthusiasm,” “happy, vacuous bursts of laughter,” “provocation to uncontrollable laughter” and “fraternal hilarity” successfully develops the author’s tone of excitement and joy in this situation. Instead of using simple word choice such ‘happy’ and ‘exciting,’ the author makes sure to utilize more sophisticated and effective words to illustrate the different aspects of the party. While describing Gatsby’s ostentatious party, and how “significant, elemental, and profound” it is, Fitzgerald includes a variety of different words and phrases in order to express his ecstatic and cheerful tone. Through out the novel, when his tone changes, he matches the diction to exhibit that particular tone.