The 1930’s was a decade of depression; however, the 1920’s were the happiest years for any American. Even though the 1920’s are depicted as a time of economic prosperity and social optimism, the morals of all Americans had reached an all-time low. This is the ugly side of the 1920’s and it is thoroughly examined by F. Scott Fitzgerald in his classic novel The Great Gatsby. The result of this creates the central theme of immorality in the wealthy upper class and is revealed through the uses of literary techniques. The existence of this theme will be proven through a thorough analysis of the uses of situational irony and characterization and how these literary techniques contribute to developing this central theme.
Situational irony is a literary …show more content…
This is a perfect example of how the morals of Americans had reached an all-time low during the 1920’s. These people were able to attend Gatsby’s party however; they are unable to come to a more important event such as the funeral of the man whose generosity they had abused. Therefore, through the partygoers F. Scott Fitzgerald is able to show that these people only used Gatsby for his wealth and to fuel their own needs. This expertly presents the immorality of the wealthy upper class and that they were incapable of thinking about anything other than themselves. Another use of situational irony is found through carefully examining the words of Daisy Buchanan. Daisy Buchanan has an extravagant lifestyle; however, she is not satisfied or happy. Her wealth is shown when Nick states “They had spent a year in France for no particular reason, and then drifted here and there unrest fully wherever people played polo and were rich together.”(Fitzgerald, 17). However, Daisy admits to Nick that “[she] has a very bad time… and [she is] pretty cynical about everything.” (Fitzgerald 20). The irony is that everything she is feeling is the opposite of …show more content…
At the beginning of the novel Nick talks about some important advice his father had given him “Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone… just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages you’ve had…. I understand he meant a great deal more.”(Fitzgerald 3) However, as the story progresses Nick becomes immoral and an example of that is when he aids Gatsby into seducing a married woman “I talked with Miss Baker… I’m going to call up Daisy tomorrow and invite her over for tea.”(Fitzgerald 87,88). Nick arrives to New York with pure intentions and a good heart, however, as he begins to acquaint himself with the people of West Egg and East Egg he becomes less and less like himself. At one point he aids Gatsby in seducing a married woman and that woman is Daisy his cousin. Nick starts off as a person with morals however as he remains in New York with the upper class he slowly becomes an unethical man. How Nick is characterized is a perfect example or how the rich upper class are unable to live a moral life. The second character who helps develop the central theme is Jay Gatsby. Jay Gatsby is characterized as a wealthy man with no morals. Gatsby lives in the West Egg and he purchases a gigantic mansion for one reason “Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the
Situational irony is a literary …show more content…
This is a perfect example of how the morals of Americans had reached an all-time low during the 1920’s. These people were able to attend Gatsby’s party however; they are unable to come to a more important event such as the funeral of the man whose generosity they had abused. Therefore, through the partygoers F. Scott Fitzgerald is able to show that these people only used Gatsby for his wealth and to fuel their own needs. This expertly presents the immorality of the wealthy upper class and that they were incapable of thinking about anything other than themselves. Another use of situational irony is found through carefully examining the words of Daisy Buchanan. Daisy Buchanan has an extravagant lifestyle; however, she is not satisfied or happy. Her wealth is shown when Nick states “They had spent a year in France for no particular reason, and then drifted here and there unrest fully wherever people played polo and were rich together.”(Fitzgerald, 17). However, Daisy admits to Nick that “[she] has a very bad time… and [she is] pretty cynical about everything.” (Fitzgerald 20). The irony is that everything she is feeling is the opposite of …show more content…
At the beginning of the novel Nick talks about some important advice his father had given him “Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone… just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages you’ve had…. I understand he meant a great deal more.”(Fitzgerald 3) However, as the story progresses Nick becomes immoral and an example of that is when he aids Gatsby into seducing a married woman “I talked with Miss Baker… I’m going to call up Daisy tomorrow and invite her over for tea.”(Fitzgerald 87,88). Nick arrives to New York with pure intentions and a good heart, however, as he begins to acquaint himself with the people of West Egg and East Egg he becomes less and less like himself. At one point he aids Gatsby in seducing a married woman and that woman is Daisy his cousin. Nick starts off as a person with morals however as he remains in New York with the upper class he slowly becomes an unethical man. How Nick is characterized is a perfect example or how the rich upper class are unable to live a moral life. The second character who helps develop the central theme is Jay Gatsby. Jay Gatsby is characterized as a wealthy man with no morals. Gatsby lives in the West Egg and he purchases a gigantic mansion for one reason “Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the