Great Gatsby Symbolism Essay

F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is a seminal work in American literature that deftly explores themes of decadence, idealism, social upheaval, and resistance to change. One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is its use of symbolism, which imbues the narrative with deeper layers of meaning. In this essay, we will explore some of the prominent symbols in the novel, such as the green light, the Valley of Ashes, and the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg, and analyze their significance in relation to the overarching themes of the story.

The Green Light

The green light at the end of Daisy Buchanan's dock is perhaps the most famous symbol in The Great Gatsby. It represents Gatsby's unrelenting pursuit of his idealized dream. For Gatsby, the green light is not just a physical object but a symbol of his hopes and dreams for the future. It is the manifestation of his longing for Daisy and his aspiration to recapture the past. Fitzgerald writes, "Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther. . . . And one fine morning—" (Fitzgerald, 1925). This passage captures the elusive nature of the American Dream, a central theme in the novel. The green light symbolizes the perpetual quest for an unattainable ideal, reflecting the broader human condition and the inherent flaws in the American Dream.

The Valley of Ashes

The Valley of Ashes is another significant symbol in the novel. It is a desolate area between West Egg and New York City, depicted as a place of decay and despair. The Valley of Ashes symbolizes the moral and social decay resulting from the uninhibited pursuit of wealth. It is a stark contrast to the lavish mansions of East Egg and West Egg, highlighting the disparity between the wealthy elite and the impoverished working class. Fitzgerald describes the Valley of Ashes as "a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens; where ashes take the 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" (Fitzgerald, 1925). This imagery evokes a sense of hopelessness and corruption, serving as a critique of the materialism and moral bankruptcy of the Roaring Twenties.

The Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg

The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg are another powerful symbol in The Great Gatsby. They are depicted on a faded billboard overlooking the Valley of Ashes, and they serve as a representation of the omnipresent gaze of judgment. The eyes are often interpreted as a symbol of God's judgment or the moral conscience of the characters. George Wilson, one of the novel's more tragic figures, believes that the eyes are watching over everything and sees them as a moral force. He says, "God knows what you've been doing, everything you've been doing. You may fool me, but you can't fool God!" (Fitzgerald, 1925). The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg thus symbolize the moral oversight that the characters in the novel try to escape but ultimately cannot.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of symbolism in The Great Gatsby adds depth and complexity to the narrative, enriching the reader's understanding of the novel's themes. The green light symbolizes the elusive nature of the American Dream, the Valley of Ashes represents moral and social decay, and the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg serve as a reminder of the omnipresent moral judgment. Through these symbols, Fitzgerald critiques the materialism, moral decay, and unrelenting pursuit of an unattainable ideal that characterized the Roaring Twenties. The novel remains a poignant exploration of the American Dream and its inherent flaws, making it a timeless piece of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.