Rhetorical Analysis Of Jay Gatsby Is A Man For Our Times

The most memorable figures in literature are not created simple, instead their lives are not easy to understand. These characters have multiple perspectives of the imaginary worlds that they are placed in, which allow readers to associate themselves with such a literary idol. One of these notorious figures recognized as a powerful symbol is Jay Gatsby; this man is described as a “criminal and a dreamer” in Adam Cohen’s article of The New York Times. When reading “Jay Gatsby, Dreamer, Criminal, Jazz Age Rogue, Is a Man for Our Times”, the audience is exposed to many sides of Gatsby. We are able to observe this complicated yet fascinating character through various rhetorical techniques in which Cohen uses to fully convey the image of the “mysterious Prohibition-era bootlegger”.

Those who have read The Great Gatsby have an understanding that he does not acquire his wealth in legal manners. Fortunately for Cohen, his time consisted of financial scandals and corruption such as the company of Enron, whom he claims would have been an organization that Gatsby could have ruled in the real world. The company of Enron and the character of Gatsby share misconduct in their workings, which makes this an effective comparison by Cohen in understanding the criminal nature of this character. In addition, this man is ranked number one among other well recognized figures in 1900’s literature. One might ponder “What makes Gatsby more special than the great attorney Atticus Finch?” Finch is respected for his morals and positive identity, but the mystery behind Gatsby makes him a brilliant