Abstract

     The Great Gatsby is a masterpiece of the famous American novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald. This paper begins with a brief introduction to the author and this novel, then makes a detailed analysis of manifold functions of the scene of parties in this novel including its functions on developing the plot, portraying the characters of two heroes, indicating the social background and disclosing the theme of the novel; thereby further demonstrates the theme of this paper: Fitzgerald succeeds in manifesting the tragedy of Gatsby and the disillusionment of the American Dream through his skillful use of the scene of parties.

Key words: The Great Gatsby, the scene of parties, functions

摘 要

《了不起的盖茨比》是美国著名小说家弗•司各特•菲茨杰拉德的一部杰作。本文从简要介绍该小说及其作家入手，进一步分析了小说中宴会场景的多重作用，具体包括宴会场景对情节的作用，对刻画主要人物性格的作用，对时代背景的暗示作用以及对揭示小说主题的作用；从而揭示了本文的主题：正是由于弗•司各特•菲茨杰拉德巧妙地运用了宴会这一场景，小说才成功地表现出盖茨比的个人悲剧和“美国梦”的破灭。

关键词：《了不起的盖茨比》；宴会场景；作用

1.    Introduction
    F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940) is known as a representative of the “Jazz Age”. He experienced much vicissitude during his short life. His personal experiences can be regarded as a typical representation of that age. In 1896, F. Scott Fitzgerald was born in a middle-class family. He received education in private school depending on the help of his relatives. Then he entered Princeton, but he left there before he finished his studying. During his leave, he was enlisted in the army, although he was not sent abroad, an important event occurred —— he met Zelda Sayre, a girl shared some resemblances with Daisy, the heroine of The Great Gatsby. His love with this woman led to the tragedy of his life indirectly.