Calm (Tim)
The 8th chapter uses many calming imagery. This serves to contrast with the events of the night before, where the temperature was sweltering. As the sun comes up the next day : [they open] the windows down-stairs, filling the house with gray-turning, gold-turning light. The shadow of a tree fell abruptly across the dew and ghostly birds began to sing among the blue leaves. There was a slow, pleasant movement in the air, scarcely a wind, promising a cool, lovely day.
It is also a bit ironic, in that it leads the readers to believe that the majority of the conflict is over (while in fact, it is certainly not). Another image of calm: Gatsby was relaxing in his pool, on a float when he was killed. The world is calm:A small gust of wind that scarcely corrugated the surface was enough to disturb its accidental course with its accidental burden. The touch of a cluster of leaves revolved it slowly, tracing, like the leg of compass, a thin red circle in the water.
It seems to add to the tragedy that all this conflict has happened, and the world seems to be indifferent. Gatsby dies prepared, not fearing death, but calm and ready.
A very interesting observation, Tim. But that your insinuating that Gatsby was at peace at the time of his death seems rather strange to be honest.
ReplyDeleteWe know Gatsby had a very traumatic day prior to his death, so how is it even conceivable that he was fully at peace? Sure, he may have put on a facade of relaxation, but anyone would agree that his mind was likely going a mind a minute. How on earth was he going to work something like what had happened out? Nick did suggest he simply leave Long Island, but at that Gatsby quickly rejected such a suggestion, as he couldn't bring himself to leave Daisy.
Couldn't bring himself to leave Daisy. So clearly, she was not on her mind. How could she not be? He may of not thought Daisy would call, which is why he was okay with going out for a swim, but he certainly did instruct his servants to notify him if any calls came.
For these reasons, it seems obvious to me that till his last moments he was still holding onto the possibly that he could be with Daisy, and that he was never truly calm and prepared for death.
Tim,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you in the sense that fitzgerald chose to creat a calm sense towards the end off the book. I think it goes a little deeper then just creating the Feeling Of tragedy. I think fitzgerald is setting the note for the end of the story. In a sense calm mood gives the vibe of closure. Closure in the end of a book is very important because the books needs to have a beginning middle and end.
I would say that with this imagery, Fitgerald is attempting to show how death is nothing to be feared. By using phrases like "fresh flow" in the passage about Gatsby's demise, Nick displays almost a Taoist attitude where one would likely invite death with open arms. Fitzgerald shows how death is simply another stage in our existence and, though we lose consciousness, we remain here on the Earth.
ReplyDelete