“.stare down from an enormous sign. These unblinking eyes, the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg, watch over everything that happens in the valley of ashes. The commuter train that runs between West Egg and New York passes through the valley, making several stops along the way. One day, as Nick and Tom are riding the train into the city, Tom forces Nick to follow him out of the train at one of these stops. Tom leads Nick to George Wilson’s garage, which sits on the edge of the valley of ashes. Tom’s lover Myrtle is Wilson’s wife. Wilson is a lifeless yet handsome man, colored gray by the ashes in the air. In contrast, Myrtle has a kind of desperate vitality; she strikes Nick as sensuous despite her stocky figure. Tom taunts Wilson and then orders Myrtle to follow him to the train. Tom takes Nick and Myrtle to New York City, to the Morningside Heights apartment he keeps for his affair. Here they have an impromptu party with Myrtle’s sister, Catherine, and a couple named McKee. Catherine has bright red hair, wears a great deal of makeup, and tells Nick that she has heard that Jay Gatsby..”
Characters
Jay GatsbyHe is the character referred in the book’s title and he is the protagonist of the plot of the novel. A poor young army man who falls in love with Daisy Fay, a golden girl. He tries to win Daisy’s love. At the end he is shot dead by Wilson on the allegation that he had private affair with his wife (Fitzgerald, 2011 p. 118).Nick CarawayHe is the protagonist of the frame narrative and the narrator of the novel. He is a refugee from the Midwest who in his search for freedom he comes to the New York. At thirty he goes to the East and at last goes back home.Tom BuchananDaisy’s rich husband.Myrtle WilsonWife to George Wilson and mistress to Tom Buchanan.Other characters in the book are Daisy Fay Buchanan, George Wilson, Catherine and others.
Setting
The novel The Great Gatsby is set in New York in 1920’s at different places of the New York City depending on the dwelling of the characters in the novel including the Plaza Hotel, and restaurant across from The Metro pole and in the Valley of Ashes Myrtle Wilson, apartments where the above quotation is made (Fitzgerald, 2011 p. 112)..
Conflict
There is a conflict between man and God. The Americans argue that the eyes of God cannot see them and so they continue with their immorality. There is also conflict of interest by Tom and Wilson over Myrtle Wilson, the love affair seems to create some tension and animosity among them (Fitzgerald, 2011 p. 123).. Rhetoric
It is rhetorical that Tom’s Lover Myrtle is Wilson’s wife.
Rhythm
The repetition of the word “eye” in the second sentence creates rhythm.
Metaphors and symbols
The” valley of ashes”, which the author introduces in chapter 2, represents moral and social decay, which has become rampant among the wealthy in forcing their way towards being rich. The rich can use any way possible even though it is immoral just to ensure that they maintain their high profile and social status and continue to enjoy life. It also represents the plight of the poor low class people like George Wilson who now leads lowly lives in dirty environment.
The “eyes of the doctor” on the painted billboard over the valley of ashes represents the God’s watch on the Americans immoral behavior and their lack of Godliness, which has gone beyond limits. The American people have broken limits in their search of pleasure and fulfillment and God is just watching. It gives a clear warning that He may decide to punish them if they continue. It further symbolizes the meaningless of the world where men invest all they have in objects which do not last (Fitzgerald, 2011 p. 124)..
Diction
Fitzgerald’s use of words such as ‘well rounded man’, ‘valley of ashes’ and ‘doctor’s eyes,’ shows high command of language and use of diction.
Syntax
In the whole quote, there is proper arrangement of sentence structure. The rules required for arranging words in English are followed and so there is use of syntax.
Works Cited
Fitzgerald, F S, and Matthew J. Bruccoli. The Great Gatsby. New York, NY: Scribner, 2011. Print.
