RE: Can Someone Explain the Symbolism in The Great Gatsby?

The Great Gatsby is known for its rich Symbolism, but I'm struggling to comprehend it all. Can someone explain the major symbols used in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel?

Add Comment
1 Answers
Certainly! F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby" uses several symbols to explore themes of wealth, society, and the illusion of the American Dream. Here are a few prominent ones: 1. **The Green Light**: This symbol, visible from Gatsby's house and located at the end of Daisy's dock, represents Gatsby's distant hopes and dreams for the future, more specifically, his aspirations to win Daisy back. Its green colour embodies the promise and optimism of the American Dream, while its far-off location and elusiveness symbolize the unattainable nature of these dreams. 2. **The Valley of Ashes**: Situated between West Egg and New York City, the Valley of Ashes is a desolate wasteland symbolizing the moral decay hidden beneath the flashy display of wealth and extravagance. This symbol also reflects the socio-economic gap and the plight of the impoverished who are victims of the wealthy's irresponsible actions. 3. **The Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg**: Depicted on an old, dilapidated billboard in the Valley of Ashes, these eyes stand as a symbol of God's omniscient gaze watching over the moral decay of society. They serve as a constant reminder of the consequences of moral and social decay within society. 4. **Gatsby's Mansion**: Gatsby's large, ostentatious mansion symbolizes his aspirations to be accepted as a part of the upper class. Despite his achieved wealth, Gatsby's exclusion from elite social circles demonstrates that wealth alone is not sufficient in this society—heritage and class also play a key role. 5. **The Color Yellow/Gold**: The gold and yellow are recurrent colors in the novel symbolizing wealth and opulence. However, they also represent the corruption, dishonesty, and superficiality associated with the pursuit of wealth. Each of these symbols adds depth to the narrative and allows Fitzgerald to create a critique of American society and the American Dream during the Roaring Twenties.
Answered on September 7, 2023.
Add Comment

Your Answer

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.