Diction Assignment 2

The author uses several types of diction in “The Great Gatsby” to create different tones.  An example of diction from Chapter 1 is, “I hope she’ll be a fool—that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool” (17).  Daisy is describing her hopes for her daughter to Nick and Jordan. The diction in this quote reveals a glimpse of Daisy’s character. Daisy is not a fool, but does not value women intelligence. The older generation values obedience in women, but the younger generation values overexcitement.  Daisy’s remark about her daughter is a bit scornful.  She is referring to the social values of her time, but she does not to challenge them either.  The diction in this quote describes Daisy’s boredom with life, and it also implies that a girl has more fun if she is pretty and naive, which creates a tone of desire.  Daisy wants her daughter to be a fool, but she often tries to act like one herself.  She acts this way due to the social standard of American women in the 1920s, so she can avoid stressful issues, such as her love for Gatsby.  This tone of desire is seen through Daisy’s hope for her daughter, but also through her hopes and dreams as well.