Great Gatsby :: essays research papers

Nick Carraway, the narrator of F. Scott Fitzgerald&8217s The Great Gatsby, assigns certain types of images and descriptive words to turkey cock, Daisy and Jordan and continues to elaborate on these congresswoman throughout the maiden chapter. Nick uses contrasting approaches to arrive at these character sketches Tom is described by his physical attributes, Daisy through her mannerisms and speech, and Jordan is a character in the main defined by the gossip of her fellow personages. Each approach, however, ends in similar conclusions as each character develops certain distinguishing qualities even by the end of the first chapter. Lastly, the voices of the characters likewise helped to project truly palpable personalities. Tom Buchanan is repeatedly depicted by words referring to his hulking and massive frame, producing a vivid image of unmixed arrogance and power. Before Tom is even introduced, his expansive house is seen, an ostentatious mansion fit for a postcard. Tom later re marks matter-of-factly &8220I&8217ve got a nice place here (12). Nick&8217s first actual encounter with Tom is a paragraph saturated with words of strength and authority sturdy, supercilious, enormous, and aggressive, to name a few. Tom&8217s physical body is described as &8220cruel and this describes more than just his body, but his demeanor as well. His voice, &8220&8230a gruff husky song&8230 (11), added to his rough image. Every one of his actions is completed with unnecessary force. Tom has the tendency to manhandle Nick, manipulating nearly all of his movements. &8220&8230wedging his tense arm imperatively under mine, Tom Buchanan compelled me from the room as though he were moving a checker to a nonher square. (16) The action verbs Fitzgerald employs convey Tom&8217s brutish force. Charles Scribner III could not have been more correct when he said, &8220I would know Tom Buchanan if I met him on the street and would avoid him&8230 (199).Daisy&8217s actions and words contrast greatly with her husband, Tom, and his grave nature. Her impression on the reader is frivolous with her &8220charming little laugh (13), and her light manner. In addition, Daisy&8217s tendency to murmur, rumored to make people lean closer to her, also reflects on her coquettish personality. Nick&8217s ability to read Daisy so well from her facial expressions and body language attests that her mannerisms are very exemplifying &8220Daisy took her face in her hands&8230I saw that turbulent emotions possessed her, so I asked what I thought would be some sedative questions. She also welcomes Nick&8217s charming but cheesy flattery, when talking about Chicago and she treats him the same way in return by referring to him as a rose and also by saying &8220I am p-paralyzed with happiness (13).