The Great Gatsby (Chapter 2)

Ashlynn McNamara

Syntax

Syntax used in this chapter is to describe the wasteful spending of people who are wealthy. For example Myrtle stated on page 36; " Im going to make a list of all things I've got to get. A massage and a wave, and a collar for the dog, and one of those cute little ash-trays where you touch a spring, and a wreath with a black silk bow for mothers grave that'll last all summer". The commas used in this symbolize the pauses she takes to describe in detail the next thing she is going to list. The continuing use of the word "and" symbolizes that while making this list up, she is thinking of new things in her head which she would like to get so she has to keep saying "and" to keep her list going. The reason why she describes every little thing in detail is because she is excited to buy all of the stuff that she has to describe in detail to others for them to know exactly what she is getting and why. She is boasting about the things she is able to get because Tom is very wealthy and can pay for it.