Syntax

Syntax is a highly valued aspect of literature, especially in The Great Gatsby. Fitzgerald uses several sentences with different punctuation, length, and language throughout the novel. In chapter five, Fitzgerald creates an insightful tone through his use of varied syntax. At the beginning of the chapter, Nick was coming home at two in the morning when he saw Gatsby’s house was all lit up. They began a conversation and Nick mentioned that he was inviting Daisy over for tea and that Mr. Gatsby was invited also, but, after stating the fact that he would pay for Nick’s grass to be cut, he fumbled with his words and asked, “Why, I thought-why, look here, old sport, you don’t make very much money do you?’ ‘Not very much” This reassured him and he continued more confidently” (82). This brief sentence lets the reader better perceive the emotion in this conversation without adding too much detail. Even though it is short, Fitzgerald’s sentence is still informative and portrays this tone in a fitting manner. Later in the passage, Nick begins to explain to Gatsby that he is very busy and doesn’t have extra time to help Gatsby. Nick describes that Gatsby “waited a moment longer, hoping I’d begin a conversation, but I was too absorbed to be responsive, so he went unwillingly home” (83). Fitzgerald includes this periodic sentence, with the main point at the end, to add more detail and emotion. He also varied his sentence structure to keep the reader intrigued in the descriptions he was presenting. This sentence contributes to the insightful tone in this specific passage of the story. Syntax is used frequently used throughout The Great Gatsby and Fitzgerald is very effective in conveying the different tones using several different aspects of language.