Table of ContentsIntroductionBody Paragraph 1Body Paragraph 2Body Paragraph 3ConclusionIntroductionF. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" is widely considered a quintessential novel of the Jazz Age, capturing the opulence and decadence of the 1920s. However, behind this veneer of glamor and sophistication lies a deep sense of disillusionment and despair. This undercurrent is primarily conveyed through Fitzgerald's use of negative diction. By employing a lexicon characterized by words denoting decadence, corruption and desolation, the author cleverly constructs a narrative that critiques the American dream and exposes the moral bankruptcy of society. This essay examines how the negative diction of "The Great Gatsby" serves not only to emphasize the novel's themes, but also to provide in-depth insight into the characters' inner turmoil and the social milieu of the time. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayBody Paragraph 1Fitzgerald's use of negative diction is evident from the beginning of the novel, setting the tone of decadence and moral decline. The Valley of Ashes, a desolate wasteland between West Egg and New York, embodies this sadness. Described as a place where “ashes grow like wheat in grotesque ridges, hills and gardens,” the images are laden with words that evoke a sense of death and desolation. The term “grotesque” suggests something unnaturally twisted and perverse, while “ashes” evokes both the remains of something once vibrant and the inevitable decay that follows. This setting acts as a dark counterpoint to the opulence of Gatsby's parties, emphasizing the stark contrast between superficial glamor and underlying corruption. The Valley of Ashes thus constitutes a powerful symbol of the moral and social decadence that Fitzgerald perceives in contemporary society.Body Paragraph 2Negative diction is not limited to the settings alone but extends to the characters, revealing their inner disillusionment and despair. Jay Gatsby, the novel's enigmatic protagonist, is often described in terms that undermine his apparent success and greatness. Despite his wealth and lavish lifestyle, Gatsby is frequently associated with words that denote emptiness and futility. Nick Carraway, the narrator, describes Gatsby's mansion as a "factual imitation of a Normandy town hall", suggesting a facade devoid of authentic substance. This description is further emphasized by Nick's observation of Gatsby's smile, described as "one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal assurance, which you may encounter four or five times in life." Yet this rare smile ultimately reveals itself as a mask, hiding Gatsby's deep loneliness and unfulfilled desires. Negative language here serves to deconstruct the myth of Gatsby as the embodiment of the American dream, exposing the hollow reality beneath the glittering surface. . Characters such as Tom and Daisy Buchanan are depicted through the lens of cynicism and moral corruption. Tom is described as having "a cruel body" and his actions consistently reflect this cruelty and arrogance. Daisy, who is often depicted with superficial charm, is ultimately revealed to be carefree and uncaring, as illustrated by Nick's observation that "they were carefree people, Tom and Daisy - they broke things and creatures, then retreated into their money or vast negligence.” The use of words like “cruel,” “broken,” and “careless” emphasizes the moral bankruptcy and emotional detachment that define their lives. This saying.