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What methods does Fitzgerald use to engage our interest in Gatsby at the beginning of the novel? - Online Essays

What methods does Fitzgerald use to engage our interest in Gatsby at the beginning of the novel?

Before we even start to read the novel the reader is intrigued at the ambiguous title. Fitzgerald uses the word “great” to describe Gatsby which makes the reader ask questions such as, who he is, and why is he great? The word “great” could also mean that Gatsby is a superb individual or it could mean great in a sense of misfortune. A sense of magic is also felt as magicians have the word “great” before their name i.e. The Great Houdini. This also arouses the reader’s interest as they want to know more about this “great” Gatsby. As the reader opens the book in anticipation of reading about Gatsby they are disappointed, as Nick is introduced and we are told about Nick’s life. Again the ...

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to meet Gatsby and find out the reason why out of all the people he is different.

The conversation at Daisy’s house also mentioned Gatsby. Nick was told the he “must” know Gatsby. Fitzgerald is almost making him out to be some kind of celebrity and the reader has still not met him. The conversation is then carried on by Daisy when she demanded to know “what Gatsby”, the reader felt they will get a bit more information yet dinner is served and the conversation is forgotten.

The first time we ever see Gatsby is at the end of the first chapter where we see him stretch “out his arms towards the dark”. This seems very strange and the reader is intrigued and wants to know why he is doing this. Fitzgerald again manages to engage our interest and by with holding information that the readers really want to know.

Fitzgerald, over the course of the whole of the first chapter manages not to introduce Gatsby to the reader, who had probably chosen to read the novel in anticipation ...

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What methods does Fitzgerald use to engage our interest in Gatsby at the beginning of the novel?. (2011, March 24). Retrieved January 7, 2026, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/What-methods-does-Fitzgerald-use-engage/96717

"What methods does Fitzgerald use to engage our interest in Gatsby at the beginning of the novel?." Essayworld.com. Essayworld.com, 24 Mar. 2011. Web. 7 Jan. 2026. <http://www.essayworld.com/essays/What-methods-does-Fitzgerald-use-engage/96717>

"What methods does Fitzgerald use to engage our interest in Gatsby at the beginning of the novel?." Essayworld.com. March 24, 2011. Accessed January 7, 2026. http://www.essayworld.com/essays/What-methods-does-Fitzgerald-use-engage/96717.

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 3/24/2011 12:22:16 PM
Submitted By: amin123
Category: English
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 440
Pages: 2

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