The Great Gatsby Close Passage Analysis Essay

Close Passage Analysis
Prompt:
In a well-organized essay, discuss how the author’s use of language-particularly diction, dialogue, and selection of detail-serves to develop and/or compare the characters of Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby.

Thesis:
By using confrontational dialogue and the contemptuous tone during the dialogue, Fitzgerald portrays that the characters of Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby are in fact very similar.
Topic Sentence:
Fitzgerald emphasizes Tom and Gatsby’s similar characteristic of being possessive using contemptuous tone throughout argumentative dialogue.
Topic Sentence:
The author projects the trait of dominance in both Gatsby and Tom by provoking dialogue with contemptuous tone.
Topic Sentence:
Both Tom and Gatsby
go through mood changes as you can see through contemptuous tone in challenging dialogue.

Intro: Love is often forgotten in the vision of winning.
Sometimes the competitive nature in people comes out and now the goal is only focused on winning, not for the prize, but for the victory over the opponent. Both Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby are in love with Daisy, so they say, but perhaps they care more about beating the other than having Daisy. Being so belligerent towards each other, you can see the hatred they have for the other. It’s surprising to find that the characters are alike in many of their thoughts and wants. By using confrontational dialogue and the contemptuous tone during the dialogue, Fitzgerald portrays that the characters of Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby are in fact very similar.
Body Paragraph:
The author projects the trait of dominance in both Gatsby and Tom by provoking dialogue with contemptuous tone. Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby are beginning to argue over Daisy and both are trying to have the control. Tom still knows nothing and Gatsby is informing him.

“Sit down Daisy. “ Tom’s voice groped unsuccessfully for the paternal note. “What’s been going on? I want to hear all about it.” “I told you what’s been going on,” said Gatsby. “Going on for five years- and you didn’t know.” (Fitzgerald
138)

Tom’s order for Daisy to sit down shows he wants to prove his control over the situation. Also the author says that Tom “groped for the paternal note” (Fitzgerald 138) showing again his desire for control. Gatsby is trying to incite Tom because if he shows Tom is angry then he will seem to have more control over Tom. Another way both men believe they are in control is by saying a declaring statement. Tom and Gatsby trust that Daisy loves each of them more than the other and that she will choose them in the end.

“Daisy’s leaving you.” “Nonsense.” “I am, though,” she said with a visible effort. “She’s not leaving me!” Tom’s words suddenly leaned down over Gatsby. “Certainly not for a common swindler who’d have to steal the ring he put on her finger.” (Fitzgerald 140)

Gatsby is completely sure of himself when saying Daisy is leaving Tom. But Tom at the same time is completely sure of himself when saying she’s not. While both men are talking about Daisy, she seems pretty unsure of herself when talking about her own decision. They don’t take into account what Daisy wants but only what they want for themselves. Gatsby and Tom are both seeing the same way and not the others nor Daisy’s point of view. They both think they are right and they have the control in the circumstances. Both men have such similar qualities in needing dominance and it is seen through the temperamental tone and controversial dialogue.