In The Great Gatsby, the narrator vividly describes a large and lavish party, capturing its atmosphere and feeling through varied sentence structure and descriptive word choice. F. Scott Fitzgerald uses polysyndeton and asyndeton, as well as lengthier sentences with less punctuation, to convey the endless excitement of the party.
Polysyndeton is employed in the quote, ‘but a whole pitful of oboes and trombones and saxophones and…’ in order to emphasize the abundance of instruments. By having extravagant bands perform at his parties, the host showcases his wealth. Asyndeton, on the other hand, is utilized in the quote, ‘Laughter is easier minute by minute, spilled with prodigality, tipped out at a cheerful word.’ Here, prodigality refers to a lavish abundance of something, and in this particular case, it signifies that the attendees are excessively generous with their laughter. This observation serves as evidence that the party was indeed highly energetic.
The quote, ‘The groups change more swiftly, swell with new arrivals, dissolve and form in the same breath,’ by Fitzgerald uses lengthy sentences with minimal conjunctions. This technique quickens the pace of the scene and indicates that the party attendees are sociable with everyone. There is no exclusive grouping; instead, individuals interact widely. The atmosphere is portrayed as lively and amicable. Fitzgerald employs descriptive language to depict the party’s ambiance.
The narrator effortlessly glides through the crowd, taking in the sea of changing faces, voices, colors, and lights. This suggests a familiarity with such bustling gatherings, indicating frequent parties. It further implies a close-knit community and a delightful, cheerful atmosphere. As the evening progresses, the lights become brighter and the orchestra starts playing lively cocktail music. The voices rise in pitch, signifying heightened intoxication among the attendees. Their senses are amplified, intensifying the overall party experience. The atmosphere is energetic and elegant, as evidenced by the presence of big bands showcasing the host’s wealth. Laughter abounds, revealing a relaxed and joyful camaraderie among the guests. Fitzgerald employs various sentence structures and evocative word choices to vividly portray the party’s thrilling and extravagant ambiance.
