By contrasting the two opposing tones, Fitzgerald effectively mirrors the vast differences between the “new money” of West Egg and the “old money” of East Egg. His diction provides an unpleasant feeling towards West Egg, describing it as “less fashionable,” “superficial,” and “bizarre” (Fitzgerald 5). Each word connotes a feeling of oddity and falseness, making West Egg seem to lack originality, adding to the author’s critical tone. In addition, the words “less fashionable” create a sense of inferiority. Fitzgerald implies that the effort of West Egg to appear wealthy has caused them to seem pathetic in the eyes of “old money” who think of them as “bizarre” and false. His criticizing tone mimics that of the people of East Egg, as if people of East Egg themselves were discussing West Egg. Similarly, the words used to describe East Egg seem as if they were sarcastically written by a person from West Egg. In contrast with West Egg, East Egg is portrayed as a “fashionable” place with “white palaces that glittered along the water” (Fitzgerald 5). This vast contrast in word choice for each location results in an overall tone that seems to be mocking the two sides for their judgments of each other. The author emphasizes the ridiculous perspectives and stereotypes of each side by contrasting them side by side, illuminating the opinions of each about the other. Fitzgerald at one point goes to the extent of calling their differences “sinister,” which could also refer to their personal opinions about each other. Overall, Fitzgerald’s mocking tone expresses the vast differences between the two sides of the bay by juxtaposing their evident physical differences while suggesting at many mental disagreements by mirroring their opinions with his own tone.
I love the way you set this up in which it seems like a battle between the two wealthy classes. It further emphasizes the shallowness and differences of the two groups, represented by the divisive bay. The way in which the social groups are contrasted in this blog reminds me of a bicker between two catty women making rude remarks about each others' clothes. Fitzgerald's purpose is meant to diminish both groups and to reveal the materialism and shallowness that exists within in 20's realm. Especially, I liked your closing sentence because you mentioned that there are not only physical differences.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand and commend this analysis of his diction. I find it so ironic of his strict condemnation of "new money" or West Egg. Almost as if he is taking the stance of Tom Buchanan or an "old money" status. While in his own experiences he is haunted by his inability to be flowing with wealth before he becomes an instant hit on the bookshelves. He most likely envied the rich and wealthy that always had money, but he would never take their opinions against the rest of the world. Later, even more ironically he becomes "new money" as he condemns them through his own diction in the novel.
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