Literary Devices

Fitzgerald is known for his descriptive, often flowery (and sometimes bombastic) language. Not everyone likes this type of writing, as it is generally longer and slows down the pace of the plot with all the descriptions. But it allows Fitzgerald to use one literary device better than most authors: imagery. "Our eyes lifted over the rosebuds and the hot lawn and the weedy refuse of the dog days along shore. Slowly the white wings of the boat moved against the blue cool limit of the sky. Ahead lay the scalloped ocean and the abounding blessed isles" (126). Instead of coming out and telling the audience what a beautiful day it was, Fitzgerald vividly relays this information by describing the "weedy refuse", the "blue cool limit of the sky" and the "scalloped ocean". He also uses personification as he gives the boat "wings" that move against the horizon. All of this adds details that help the reader visualize exactly what Fitzgerald wants them to.