Introduction
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s *The Great Gatsby*, published in 1925, offers a profound critique of American society during the Jazz Age, a period marked by economic prosperity, cultural excess, and social disparity. Through the novel, Fitzgerald employs a range of rhetorical strategies to construct a complex portrayal of 1920s society, revealing both its glittering allure and underlying moral decay. This essay analyzes Fitzgerald’s use of symbolism, imagery, and narrative voice as key rhetorical tools to critique social class, materialism, and the elusive nature of the American Dream. By examining these strategies within the context of the novel’s rhetorical situation—addressing a post-World War I audience grappling with rapid societal changes—this analysis aims to uncover how Fitzgerald shapes a multifaceted understanding of the era.
Symbolism as a Critique of Materialism
One of Fitzgerald’s most potent rhetorical strategies is his use of symbolism, particularly through objects and settings, to critique the materialistic ethos of 1920s America. The green light at the end of Daisy Buchanan’s dock, for instance, symbolizes Gatsby’s unattainable dream and, more broadly, the illusion of success that defines the decade (Fitzgerald, 1925). This symbol reflects the societal obsession with wealth and status, as Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy mirrors the era’s relentless chase for an often hollow prosperity. Furthermore, the Valley of Ashes, a desolate wasteland between West Egg and New York, represents the stark consequences of unchecked industrialization and class inequality. By juxtaposing this bleak imagery with the opulence of East Egg, Fitzgerald underscores the moral and social decay beneath the era’s superficial glamour. This symbolic contrast not only critiques materialism but also invites readers to question the cost of the American Dream, thereby enhancing the novel’s rhetorical impact on a society enamored with wealth.
Imagery and the Illusion of the Jazz Age
Fitzgerald’s vivid imagery further enriches his commentary on 1920s society, painting a picture of excess that masks deeper disillusionment. Descriptions of lavish parties at Gatsby’s mansion, with “yellow cocktail music” and guests who “conducted themselves according to the rules of behavior associated with amusement parks,” evoke a sense of chaotic indulgence (Fitzgerald, 1925). Such imagery highlights the superficiality of social interactions during the Jazz Age, where relationships are fleeting and driven by spectacle rather than genuine connection. Indeed, this sensory overload serves a rhetorical purpose: it mirrors the era’s cultural hollowness, urging readers to see beyond the dazzle of prosperity. By grounding his critique in tangible, evocative details, Fitzgerald ensures that his audience—both contemporary and modern—grasps the fragility of the decade’s exuberance, thus fostering a critical perspective on societal values.
Narrative Voice and Social Perspective
The narrative voice of Nick Carraway, the novel’s first-person narrator, is another crucial rhetorical device that shapes a nuanced view of 1920s society. Nick’s dual role as both participant and observer allows Fitzgerald to present multiple perspectives on class and morality. While Nick initially admires Gatsby’s ambition, his growing disillusionment—evident in his final judgment of the Buchanans as “careless people” who “smashed up things and creatures”—reflects a broader critique of the upper class’s irresponsibility (Fitzgerald, 1925). This narrative stance, arguably, aligns with the rhetorical situation of the novel’s original audience, many of whom were questioning post-war societal norms. Through Nick’s reflective tone, Fitzgerald not only exposes the flaws of the elite but also prompts readers to evaluate their own complicity in perpetuating such a system. This personal narrative strategy, therefore, bridges individual experience with collective critique, deepening the text’s commentary on the era.
Conclusion
In conclusion, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s *The Great Gatsby* employs symbolism, imagery, and narrative voice as rhetorical strategies to construct a complex understanding of 1920s American society. The green light and Valley of Ashes symbolize the illusory nature of the American Dream and class disparity, while vivid imagery of excess reveals cultural superficiality. Meanwhile, Nick Carraway’s narrative perspective offers a critical lens on social hierarchy and morality. Together, these strategies address the novel’s rhetorical situation by engaging a post-war audience with pressing questions about wealth, ethics, and identity. Ultimately, Fitzgerald’s nuanced portrayal not only critiques the Jazz Age but also resonates with broader discussions on ambition and inequality, highlighting the enduring relevance of his work.
References
- Fitzgerald, F. S. (1925) The Great Gatsby. New York: Scribner.
- Lehan, R. D. (1990) F. Scott Fitzgerald and the Craft of Fiction. Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press.
