Great Gatsby Analysis

Throughout The Great Gatsby Scott F. Fitzgerald uses countless rhetorical devices to convey different tones and themes in the novel. While at Tom and Daisy’s house in chapter seven Gatsby and Nick discuss Daisy, more specifically her voice. Color, symbol, and metaphor are all rhetorical devices employed to signify the luxurious and somewhat cautious tone in the scene. This tone also leads into the theme; the influence wealth has on corruption. First off, the hestitation of Nick shows his caution of analyzing Daisy’s voice to Gatsby, not wanting to offend him. Nick remarks “she’s got an indiscreet voice, It’s full of---” this pause is important to portray the realization he had of Daisy. Calling her voice “indiscreet” or irresponsible allows the reader to see Daisy does not care about her actions, she floats through her life as she pleases. Gatsby’s blunt reply “Her voice is full of money,” this metaphor shows that he is aware of this in Daisy and does not take offense; this trait of Daisy’s is the driving force behind his attemp to climb to her social status. In continuation, Nick furthers his thought on Daisy and uses color to symbolize her greed, and need for money. With “that was the inexhaustible charm that rose and fell in it, the jingle of it, the cymbols’ song of it...,” Nick explains the never ending charm money has on most people. The onomatopeidia “jingle” gives a light, inticing sound to the reader, while “cymbols’” coincedentaly bronze, complete the sound of Daisy’s voice that seemingly leaks money. Completing his thoughts “High in a white palace the king’s daughter, the golden girl...,” this metaphor seems to bring Daisy into heaven calling her the “golden girl” which is historically known for being the perfect girl. Metallic colors bring even more images of money, and luxury. Symbols are present in many forms, colors, characters, even character traits. In this case, the description of Tom “wrapping a quart bottle in a towel,” is a symbol for