Rhetorical Analysis of a Literature Place

Introduction

In literature, places are not merely settings but are imbued with symbolic meanings that enhance the narrative and deepen the reader's understanding of the themes. F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" is a quintessential example of this literary technique. Among the various settings in the novel, the "Valley of Ashes" stands out as a place rich in rhetorical significance. This essay aims to conduct a rhetorical analysis of the Valley of Ashes, examining how Fitzgerald employs this desolate landscape to critique the American Dream, social stratification, and moral decay.

Body Paragraph

The Valley of Ashes is first introduced in Chapter 2 of "The Great Gatsby." Fitzgerald describes it as a "fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens." This vivid imagery immediately sets a tone of desolation and decay. The choice of words like "fantastic" and "grotesque" creates a paradoxical sense of wonder and horror, indicating that this place is not merely a physical wasteland but a symbolic one. The Valley of Ashes serves as a stark contrast to the opulent East Egg and West Egg, highlighting the disparity between the wealthy and the poor. While the Eggs are places of leisure and luxury, the Valley is a site of labor and suffering, inhabited by those who are left behind by the American Dream.

Fitzgerald's use of the Valley of Ashes as a rhetorical device extends beyond its descriptive imagery. The place functions as a moral and ethical commentary on the characters who traverse it. For instance, Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby, who represent the old and new money respectively, pass through the Valley without acknowledging its significance, symbolizing their moral blindness and detachment from the harsh realities faced by the less fortunate. In contrast, George Wilson, who lives and works in the Valley, embodies the struggle and despair of the lower class. His eventual breakdown and tragic actions are a direct result of the oppressive environment he inhabits, thereby critiquing the socio-economic structures that perpetuate such disparities.

Moreover, the Valley of Ashes serves as a critical backdrop for key events in the narrative, further enhancing its rhetorical impact. The most notable event is the death of Myrtle Wilson, which occurs in the Valley. Myrtle's death is not just a tragic accident but a culmination of the moral decay that the Valley symbolizes. Her demise is a direct consequence of the reckless actions of the wealthy characters, thereby reinforcing the novel's critique of the carelessness and irresponsibility of the upper class. Additionally, the presence of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg's eyes, depicted on an old advertising billboard overlooking the Valley, adds another layer of rhetorical complexity. These eyes are often interpreted as a symbol of a detached, god-like observer, representing the moral and ethical oversight that the characters lack. The faded billboard suggests that even this divine oversight has become corroded by the pervasive materialism and moral decay.

Fitzgerald's rhetorical use of the Valley of Ashes is further amplified by its placement within the broader narrative structure. The Valley is situated between the affluent East Egg and West Egg and the bustling city of New York, acting as a purgatorial space that all characters must traverse. This geographical positioning underscores the inescapability of moral and social corruption. No matter how far the characters try to distance themselves from the Valley, it remains an ever-present reminder of the consequences of their actions and the societal structures that enable such disparities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Valley of Ashes in "The Great Gatsby" is a masterful rhetorical device that enriches the novel's thematic concerns. Through vivid imagery, symbolic characters, and strategic narrative placement, Fitzgerald uses this desolate landscape to critique the American Dream, social stratification, and moral decay. The Valley serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of unchecked materialism and the moral blindness of the upper class. By analyzing the rhetorical elements of this literary place, readers gain a deeper understanding of the novel's enduring relevance and its poignant commentary on American society. The Valley of Ashes is not merely a setting but a powerful symbol that encapsulates the novel's central critiques, making it a cornerstone of Fitzgerald's literary masterpiece.