In the novel The Great Gatsby, by F. Scot Fitzgerald we as responders witness a change of perspective both within the characters and in our view of the characters. The novel is stating that the wealthy, during the 1920's are only concerned with image and the wealth they have generated has caused them to corrupt their lives. The opulent live a materialistic life, with little substance that ends in destruction. This message has caused the readers and characters to adjust their view through the various techniques used. These techniques include such things as structure, setting, dialogue, characterisation, symbolism and language.
             Characterisation is an extremely important technique the composer has used to alter the responders view. At the commencement of the novel the characters are portrayed as being one dimensional, however throughout the course of the book readers are taken on a journey of discovery; as each page reveals a little more on the characters, denoting contrasts and parallels. We are introduced to an array of people, including Nick Carraway, Daisy and Tom Buchanan, Jordan Baker and Gatsby, Mr and Mrs Wilson. On the very first page of the novel, the readers are presented with a description of Nick Carraway. A man with morals and ethics who continues to circulate in a society which he is not totally conformed to. Fitzgerald uses the character of Nick as a first person narrator. Nick states, "I am inclined to reserve all judgments"(P.07). This was quite a contradictory remark as throughout the novel we observe a contrast in his attitude. Through his critical and judgmental comments, we are given an insight into the society and people. Daisy and Jordan are both perceived to be gentle, caring innocent females, although towards the end it is revealed to the readers that they are egocentric, careless and artificial. Even after everything Gatsby had done for Daisy she did not have the decency to say good bye. A...