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

CONTENTS

Abstract

中文摘要

1.Introduction.1

2.The Meaning of “Old Sport”.2

   2.1 The Literal Meaning of “Old Sport”

   2.2 The Implied Meaning of “Old Sport”

      2.2.1 Used in Special Social Backgrounds

      2.2.2 Used between Different Characters

3.The Reflection of Gatsby’s Contradictory Inner World.4  

   3.1 Gatsby’s Optimism

   3.2 Gatsby’s Loneliness 

   3.3 Gatsby’s Inner Contradiction

 4. Causes for Gatsby Using “old sport”.6

   4.1 The Influence of Gatsby’s Character

   4.2 The Influence of American Dream

 5.Conclusion7

Bibliography9

Acknowledgements.10