The Great Gatsby Rhetorical Analysis

It is assumed that upper-class society has strong morals, but this can be shown to be incorrect through their actions. This theory is debunked in the novel The Great Gatsby. The book The Great Gatsby discusses how members of upper-class society will throw off any of their issues to those below them and only use lower-class members to their advantage. Fitzgerald uses situational irony, foreshadowing, and characterization to support the theme of immorality and corruption within the elite society. Situational irony occurs the opposite of what the reader has expected: Fitzgerald uses this literary technique multiple times throughout the novel. In chapter 7, Fitzgerald illustrates the death of one character, and how this death came about. The author

As a reader, you would assume that Gatsby performed this harmful act because of the many previous insinuations of his illegal activities. This proves how the elite society will not think before acting, causing others to fix their issues. In chapter 9, Gataby’s funeral is just beginning, many people are invited to mourn the loss but do not show up. This is shown when Fitzgerald says, “‘I couldn’t get to the house,” he remarked. “Neither could anybody else.’” This shows Nick speaking to the Owl-Eyed man about how few people came. Gatsby had formerly had hundreds of people at his home each week, for lavish parties. Readers would expect masses of people to come and mourn the loss of Gatsby; however, only 3 people came. These experts prove how the higher-class society will not think before they act, and only show respect to others when it would benefit them the most. Foreshadowing is a literary tool used to insinuate something that could happen later on in the story. The author uses this device throughout his novel. One instance of this is when Fitzgerald says, “‘They’ll keep me out of my way,” she

Myrtle was seen running into the street thinking it was her mistress and ended up being killed for being reckless and not paying attention. The first irresponsible driver, Jordan, said it was perfectly fine to drive recklessly unless you meet another reckless driver. This was shown when Myrtle met her fate: 2 reckless individuals were on the road simultaneously, leading to her demise. The use of foreshadowing demonstrates how the upper crust’s morals can be seen as immoral directly through their careless actions. Characterization is used to further add key information and details to a character. In the text, Fitzgerald illustrates, “‘She only married you because I was poor and she was tired of waiting for me.’” This is added to further the explanation of the lack of depth the upper class feels about those they love. The author goes on to say, “‘...in her heart she never loved anyone except me!’” Furthermore, this demonstrates how at ease Gatsby is in admitting that their wealth gap served as her