Hiding Behind Money -- Syntax

      In The Great Gatsby, the author’s varied sentence structure describing Gatsby’s splendor communicates his idea that false appearances, especially among the upper class, are common in society due to the inborn desire of people to impress others and be at the top of the social ladder. When Nick speaks of Gatsby’s house in West Egg, he proclaims it to be “a colossal affair by any standard—it was a factual imitation of some Hôtel de Ville in Normandy, with a tower on one side, spanking new under a thin beard of raw ivy, and a marble swimming pool, and more than forty acres of lawn and garden. It was Gatsby’s mansion” (Fitzgerald 5). The inclusion of a long, descriptive sentence followed by a telegraphic one asserts the awe that Nick feels—he is speechless at Gatsby’s extravagance. Dashes and excessive commas lend themselves to the fact that Nick is so mesmerized that he cannot remain on the same thought for too long; there is so much to be admired that his scattered thoughts appear to be the only way to convey his excitement. Simply referring to all the greatness by noting “it was Gatsby’s mansion” (5) hints at Nick’s reminder to himself that he needs to act unimpressed and pretends it is normal to see such richness on a daily basis. As illustrated, it is difficult for the rich to accept each other’s prosperity, and thus they constantly feel the need to have more than anyone else; yet when they are outdone by something they feign disinterest. Fitzgerald’s point is also revealed when Nick states: “people were not invited [to Gatsby’s parties]—they went there” (41). Nick’s bold statement that anyone who wants to can attend Gatsby’s outrageous parties reinforces the author’s belief that the rich are never satisfied; it is hard for Nick to accept that Gatsby is able to house such sophisticated and diverse parties—he would rather silently deride Gatsby for his popularity than praise him. Recurring utilization of dashes interjects what could be a compliment and instead turn into a negative, chiding comment. In contrast to Nick, Gatsby finally admits what no one else has the gumption to say: he recognizes that someone else is richer than him. When Gatsby mentions out of context that his love, Daisy, has a “voice [that] is full of money” (120), the reader is caught off guard at the unconventional honesty Gatsby presents. The startling employment of a short sentence causes a volta and allows the reader to connect with Gatsby. At last, someone is able to come to terms with the fact that someone is richer then they are, and therefore the juxtaposition between Nick and Gatsby effectively highlights the author’s view that it is rare for the rich to accept being inferior, let alone admit that it exists in society.