1. Immerses the Reader: The present tense pulls the reader directly into the action of the party. It creates a sense of immediacy and immediacy, making the reader feel like they are experiencing the events firsthand. This heightened sense of presence allows the reader to fully absorb the atmosphere, the characters' interactions, and the overall mood of the party.
2. Creates a Sense of Unreality: The use of present tense, combined with the fast-paced descriptions and heightened sensory details, contributes to the overall impression of the party as a dreamlike, almost surreal experience. This echoes the theme of the American Dream's elusive nature, where happiness and success are often fleeting and ultimately unattainable.
3. Emphasizes the Cyclical Nature of the Parties: The present tense makes the parties feel like they are happening continuously, a never-ending cycle of extravagance and superficiality. This underscores the emptiness and hollowness at the heart of Gatsby's social gatherings.
4. Highlights the Detachment of the Characters: The present tense creates a sense of distance between the characters and the reader. This allows the reader to observe the characters' superficiality, their pursuit of pleasure, and their emotional disconnect from the true meaning of happiness.
5. Enhances the Story's Dramatic Tension: By describing the party in present tense, Fitzgerald creates a sense of anticipation and suspense. The reader is kept on edge, wondering what will happen next and how the story will unfold. This technique also emphasizes the impending downfall of Gatsby and his world.
In conclusion, the use of present tense in "The Great Gatsby" is a powerful literary device that serves several crucial purposes. It allows the reader to fully experience the party's atmosphere, emphasizes the cyclical nature of Gatsby's social gatherings, highlights the characters' detachment from true happiness, and creates a sense of dramatic tension that keeps the reader engaged until the very end.