Abstract：

The Great Gatsby is one of the most classic masterpieces in American literature. It is also F. Scott Fitzgerald’s most excellent novel which reveals many aspects of American life in Jazz Age. In the novel, the writer describes a typical American tragedy by using concise and meaningful language. The main character ,Gatsby is a combination of optimism and loneliness. He has a complicated inner world. From the phrase “old sport’’,we can feel his contradiction.Gatsby dreamed of achieving material wealth and love through his courage and hardworking. However, obstacles from the society kept Gatsby away from his dreams. Through the analysis of the phrase “old sport”, this thesis tries to explore the inner world of Gatsby and the causes for Gatsby using “old sport”.
 
Key words: Gatsby; old sport;optimism; loneliness

摘要：

《了不起的盖茨比》是美国文学史上最为经典的作品之一。它也是菲茨杰拉德最优秀的一部作品，展现了爵士时代美国生活的多方面风貌。在这部小说中，作者用凝练而富有内涵的语言描写了特有的美国悲剧。主人公盖茨比是一个乐观和孤独的结合体。他有着复杂的内心世界。从 “old sport”一词，我们就可以感受到他的矛盾心理。盖茨比梦想着能通过他的勇气和奋斗来获得财富和爱人。但是，来自社会的种种阻碍都使盖茨比离他的梦想越来越远。本篇论文通过分析词组“old sport”的意义，来探究盖茨比的内心世界以及他使用这一词组的原因。
 
关键词：盖茨比；老兄；乐观；孤独

1. Introduction
    F. Scott Fitzgerald is one of the most outstanding American authors in the twenties of the last century. He was born in 1896 in a middle-class family. Fitzgerald grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota. Though an intelligent child he was, Fitzgerald did poorly in school and was sent to a New Jersey boarding school in 1911. He had little interest in study and suffered form academic difficulties during his college time.As a result,he never graduated. Then he entered the Army as a second Lieutenant. While in training camp he met the beautiful girl Zelda. Although Zelda agreed to marry him, her overpowering desire for wealth, fun, and leisure led her to delay their wedding until he could prove a success.