How Did F Scott Fitzgerald Use Of Language Change

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You know what they say nothing last forever. Or should I say nothing will ever stay the same. As with anything else in this world, language is susceptible to change. Every so often, the use of certain words happens to change. An example of this could be the word ratchet, originally used in reference to a mechanical tool. In modern times the word ratchet is a slang word that is meant to describe an unsophisticated individual. Furthermore, not only does the usage of words change definitions and spellings do as well. Some words become obsolete and others are simply behind the times. For the most part, as we change time periods the words we use and how we use them will change too. The Transformation of Language will briefly evaluate the two chosen …show more content…

Scott Fitzgerald novel This Side of Paradise was published. During this time writers were known as members of the “Lost Generation.” This Side of Paradise was issued to the public during the Roaring Twenties (Jazz Age). In the Roaring Twenties the city lifestyle was extremely popular, partying was the way of life and people started to build more wealth. If I had one word to describe things during that time —extravagant. Despite the publication date, most of the book takes place from 1917-1919. It's worth noting Fitzgerald wrote the novel in 1919 a year after World War I (Fitzgerald himself served.) In This Side of Paradise, the English language is used in a fascinating way and I for one believe culture influenced the way Fitzgerald utilized the English …show more content…

Slang was conventional in 1920 because it was “cool.” However, let’s use the 1800’s for an example some of the lingo that was incorporated into the novel would be deemed inappropriate primarily because the English language wasn’t used in a “proper” way. Nevertheless, I believe the social climate Fitzgerald was in (remember he was only twenty-four when this was written) for him to venture out the standard use of the language. Amory Blaine character is loosely based on Fitzgerald and most of the slang that was used is when he, Amory and friends were young men away at Princeton University, so the students (peer group) had an impact on the language. That said, apart from slang the use of high-sounding words interfered with the message. Simpler words is one of the changes that need to be made the novel. It’s difficult to try to understand what the author is saying while looking up words while reading. In order for This Side of Paradise to fit into 1962 many of the slang should be eliminated and the term “colored” will have to be removed since it would be

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