http://cdn.lightgalleries.net/4bd5ec148405e/images/Boxing-16-2.jpg
Fitzgerald uses offensive diction when describing Tom as a "brute" and "hulking" (16), in order to help the reader understand Tom's appearance and manner. This additionally effectively pits the reader against Tom, and makes him or her root for Daisy. Fitzgerald usually uses more academic diction, with words such as "fractiousness" (Fitzgerald 11), "compulsion" (14), "tangible" (20), "peremptorily" (24), and "infinitesimal" (18) in order to assert a more sophisticated, scholarly, and upscale tone to the story and setting. Fitzgerald uses crude diction sparingly, with "guts" (11) to help the reader realize just how much people hated Tom, in order to set the tone for the likely impending conflict between him and Daisy. The dislike for Tom the reader is likely experiencing will make this conflict more satisfying and poignant. Daisy, conversely, is described using colorful, positive diction such as "bright" (Fitzgerald 14) and "charming" (13), which allows the reader to envision a beautiful, nice woman deserving of a far "better man" than Tom.
I appreciated the fact that you, unlike most others, commented on the diction of the entire chapter in perspective. You are completely right, the way each character is described by the use of even simple words creates immediate impressions of each to the reader. Tom seems to be a character that is ripened for conflict, and it will most certainly be interesting to see who finally resists him openly. Amazing job with your posting. I enjoy the image.
ReplyDelete