The Great Gatsby Symbolism Analysis

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The Great Gatsby, F. Scot Fitzgerald's widely known novel, is a work of America literature generations of readers have enjoyed. One Particular aspect that grabs your attention is the symbolism. Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent a larger meaning. F. Scott Fitzgerald uses the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, the valley of ashes and colors throughout the novel to represent a deeper understanding. For example, Fitzgerald uses the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg to represent God. the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg are a set of eyes displayed on a billboard over the valley of ashes. They symbolize God because they look down on the immoral society of New York. In chapter eight, the morning after the accident, George Wilson explores the idea…show more content…
a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens; where ashes take forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke and finally with a transcendent effort of men who move dimly and already crumbling through the powdery air” (27) The valley of ashes symbolizes corruption. It shows the corruption of the morality of the society. Where the rich disregard everything but their wealth and happiness. Finally, colors are used symbolically in the Great Gatsby. For example, Gatsby's gold and silver ties represent his wealth. Also his yellow/gold car shows that he lives extravagantly. The color green is symbolic for hope. Gatsby's hope for Daisy's love is shown in the green light at the end of her dock. "Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgiastic future that year by year recedes before us" (189). Nick is comparing the green light to the hope that everyone has for the future to be better, which Gatsby believed in until the very end off his life. In conclusion, the novel includes symbols to create a deeper meaning of issues in the author's time. The eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg represent god. The valley of ashes represents corruption. The use of colors throughout the story represent important ideas. without the use of symbols this novel wouldn't be as relatable. Also, the ideas would be to broad to
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