Question

What atmosphere is created in the opening of the 'Great Gatsby'?

How does the author do this?

Answer 1

In these opening chapters, the tone remains coolly bemused by the excesses and romantic entanglements of others. As the book proceeds, and Nick becomes friendly with Gatsby, he gets drawn into the love triangle between Tom, Daisy, and Gatsby, and the tone becomes both more emotional and more melancholy.