Topic #3: Syntax

• “Reserving judgments is a matter of infinite hope” (Page 2).

                        Fitzgerald uses this telepathic sentence to create a feeling of seriousness. Halfway through a description of how he has always been privy to the secrets of others, he begins to worry that people will frown upon his ability to peruse hidden thoughts. The shortness of the sentence also enhances the impact his sentence makes, as if he feels that it is important that others know that he has at least learned something of meaning, and not just squandered his gift.

• “On week-ends his Rolls-Royce became an omnibus, bearing parties to and from the city, between nine in the morning and long past midnight, while his station wagon scampered like a brisk yellow bug to meet all trains” (Page 39).

                        In this instance, Fitzgerald uses these commas to separate each distinct, yet related thought to give it additional meaning to the whole of the sentence. By separating the thoughts of “his Rolls-Royce became an omnibus” and “bearing parties to and from the city,” Fitzgerald adds extra emphasis upon the car’s purpose, how it not only changed, but had a new reason for being.

• “Every Friday five crates of oranges and lemons arrived from a fruiterer in New York–every Monday these same oranges and lemons left his back in a pyramid of pulpless halves” (Page 39).

                        By using parallel structure in this sentence, Fitzgerald creates a sense of monotony, as if this event happens time and time again. Being placed in a passage describing Gatsby’s weekly parties, this passage serves to also increase upon the understanding that these lavish parties are quite decadent; every weekend for innumerable months, all of these resources are acquired and wasted for the pleasure of the upper-class.