Passage 1
"In his blue gardens, men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars"
During Gatsby's party, Nick gives the reader an unclear understanding as to what the guests there are doing. This passage is a perfect example as to how a figure of speech masks the true meaning of what is really going on. As Nick compares the men and girls to moths, it can be implied that they repeatedly leave the blue garden, only to return once again; as moths perform the same actions with lights. However, in this case, the "light" that continually attracts these "moths" includes the gossip of the people in the garden. (whisperings) In addition, the "light" is also associated with the stars, but includes champagne, an illegal aspect of the party, too. This passage makes the fact that people are addicted to gossip and alcohol seem like a positive aspect, rather than the real negativity of it all.
Can whisperings be anythign else or just negative gossip? What about the reference to "men and girls"?
ReplyDeleteSorry this is so late, I didn't realize there was a comment.
ReplyDeleteThe reference to "men and girls" shows that the young girls were going for the older men during this time. Through out the description of Gatsby's party, there are many examples where the young "girls" are associating with these rich, older "men."