How Does Fitzgerald Use Narrative Techniques In The Great Gatsby

Fitzgerald utilises a range of narrative techniques in The Great Gatsby to explore his central themes and engage the reader more deeply with these ideas. The 1925 novel, The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, tells a story narrated by Nick Carraway and his perspective and scrutiny of the New York society during the 1920s, with the protagonist of the story being a man named Gatsby. Fitzgerald uses narrative techniques, such as characterisation, symbolism and narrative perspective to display the themes of moral decay, how appearance can be deceptive and the pursuit of the American dream within the New York society, focusing on a particular man living as a part of it, known as Jay Gatsby.

A technique that Fitzgerald has implemented is narrative structure, to explore the central theme of the moral decay that occurs in society based on consumerism, and how the rich are supercilious. At Gatsby’s famous parties, many of his, notably uninvited guests show their disdainful and imperious behaviour, “they conducted themselves according to the rules of behaviour associated with amusement parks” (p.45). Through this behaviour we get a glimpse of the American society as a whole, how truly insolent and narcissistic its residents are. Moral decay is further explored during Gatsby’s funeral; how everyone could make it to his party without an invite, yet none could attend his funeral. A key demonstration of this is Klipspringer’s response to …show more content…
This outcome is achieved by utilisation of narrative techniques such as characterisation and narrative perspective, and symbolism to add depth to the novel and explore its central themes. He successfully engages the reader more deeply with these ideas through creating an emotional response towards Gatsby, and the damning social portrait Fitzgerald paints of the roaring