Great Gatsby Symbolism and Symbols

The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is one heck of a book that dives into stuff like money, love, and chasing dreams in America. Fitzgerald throws in all these symbols that give us more insight into what’s going on with the characters and why they're doing what they're doing. Let's take a closer look at some symbols in The Great Gatsby and how they add to the big ideas in the novel.

'Great Gatsby Symbolism and Symbols'

Symbolism of the Green Light

You can't talk about The Great Gatsby without mentioning the green light at Daisy's dock. That green light means a lot to Gatsby—it's like his beacon for getting Daisy and nailing down the American Dream. He thinks if he can just grab hold of it, he'll finally find happiness.

Remember when Gatsby first sees that green light? Fitzgerald writes, "He stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way..." (Fitzgerald, 25). It’s not just about wanting Daisy; it’s also about how much faith he puts in the American Dream changing his life for the better.

The green light kinda tricks him though. He thinks having money and stuff will make everything great, but spoiler alert—it doesn’t. Even with all those crazy parties and piles of cash, he's still missing something big.

Symbolism of the Valley of Ashes

The valley of ashes is another biggie when we’re talking symbols in this book. This rundown place shows just how messed up society can get. It's totally different from all that glitzy glamor you see with rich folks in the story.

The valley's described as "a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat..." (Fitzgerald, 27), which paints a pretty grim picture of what's left after society goes nuts with industry and material stuff. It’s not just ugly; it represents shattered dreams for people stuck there.

Think about George Wilson living in that dump—they're trapped by poverty with no real shot at climbing outta there. Their hopes are crushed, just like that old billboard hovering above them.

Symbolism of the Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg

You can’t miss those big eyes on Dr. T.J. Eckleburg's billboard either—they pop up throughout the story as silent judges watching over everything going down below them.

Those eyes witness some pretty sketchy stuff—like when Wilson confronts Tom about Myrtle (Fitzgerald, 137). They're more than just faded paint; they’re keeping tabs on everyone’s bad choices without saying a word!

Conclusion

The symbolism packed into The Great Gatsby gives readers plenty to chew on regarding wealth or love—or even chasing after dreams American-style! Each symbol—the green light or valley full o' ash heaps—adds layers helping us understand what drives characters forward while highlighting bigger themes within this classic tale.

As we peel back these symbolic layers through our analysis here today (and beyond), it becomes clear how critical they are towards unpacking some hard truths embedded throughout such cautionary tales warning against empty pursuits lacking substance along life’s journey itself!

References

• Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 2004.
• Berman, Ronald. "The Great Gatsby and Modern Times." University of Illinois Press, 1996.
• Tredell, Nicolas. "Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby': A Reader's Guide." Bloomsbury Publishing USA, 2007.