|
In 'The Great Gatsby', F. Scott Fitzgerald uses his
settings to give a deeper insight into the characters and
their situations. The story takes place in the homes of
Gatsby, Nick, the Buchanans, Myrtle and George's garage, and
various locations in New York. Throughout the novel we get
many opportunities to see Dr. Eckleburg's advertisement
which may be defined as a middle point of reference. On the
one side we see the homes of the wealthy around the bay, and
on the other we see New York city where the Plaza Hotel is
the centre of action. Between these two separate locations,
there is a main road that links the two areas. Along this
road is a dismal area called the Valley of Ashes where the
huge and out of date billboard advertising Dr Eckleburg -
occulist, stands, overlooking the Wilsons' garage.
The houses of all the characters reflect their owners'
qualities. Nick's house, as he describes it, is simple and
comfortable. It is not very big, but it is more than enough.
This shows Nick's modest personality.
Daisy's house is colossal and beautiful. Its splendour is
said to blind eyes. This house, like Daisy looks beautiful
and radiant as if it has everything there could be, but it
is not a welcoming house, and it gives a feeling of
emptiness, just as Daisy does. She has no real love for
anyone, not even herself.
In comparison the Myrtle's house, Daisy's home is totally
empty despite its elaborate and elegant decorations. Unlike
Daisy's mansion, Myrtle's apartment in New York which Tom
set up for her, is rather 'tacky' or tasteless in style.
However, even though it doesn't look so beautiful, Myrtle
gives it a feeling, she puts passion in it. Tom's choice of
home, is like his character, very indecisive. Even if he
legally lives and is married to Daisy, he has a lover,
Myrtle with whom he shares a passionate relationship, but
without real commitment.
George lives with Myrtle above the garage where he works as
a mechanic. He also sells gas to drivers who stop along this
main road to New York. His house is described as a fairly
bleak and run down place. George is poor, and more than what
he is doing he just can't do. He works as hard as he can
just to try to make his wife Myrtle happy, but in the end,
she doesn't appreciate this and treats him badly.
The position of Gatsby's house is of great importance in the
novel. It is set on the shore across the bay from where
Daisy's house is situated. Gatsby has a colossal mansion,
which could also be called a castle for its dimensions. It
is so big and so exaggeratedly decorated that it is similar
to Gatsby's actions. His house is like a dream. Gatsby is
actually living a dream. The relationship between Daisy and
himself is not based on reality, but is an impossible dream
which will never be realized. Daisy will never be his and
his mansion will never be a castle with a prince and
princess living happily ever after.
Doctor T. J. Eckleburg's advertisement is an old sign
showing two blue eyes wearing glasses for improved sight.
This advertisement is in the centre of all the settings.
It's on the road to New York which is where the dramatic
confrontation between the Buchanans and Gatsby takes place.
It is where the violent death of Myrtle takes place which in
turn leads to further tragic consequences. Perhaps
Fitzgerald uses these glasses on the advertisement to make
us think that those eyes are looking even deeper into this
situation. In a way like getting 'close-up' shots of a drama
which is taking place. It is these eyes which see in close
detail the unfolding of this tragic story.
|
|