Symbolic Music in The Great Gatsby

Throughout the novel, music is used to convey emotions, set the tone, and enhance the overall atmosphere. This essay will explore the symbolic use of music in The Great Gatsby and how it contributes to the novel's themes and characters.

The Jazz Age

One of the most significant aspects of The Great Gatsby is its setting in the Jazz Age, a time of great social change and cultural upheaval. The Jazz Age was characterized by its vibrant music, lively parties, and carefree attitudes. In The Great Gatsby, music serves as a symbol of the era's decadence and excess. The jazz music that permeates the novel represents the frenetic energy and excitement of the time, as well as the characters' pursuit of pleasure and indulgence.

Gatsby's Parties

Throughout the novel, Gatsby's extravagant parties are a central element of the plot. These parties are characterized by their opulence, decadence, and wild festivities. Music plays a crucial role in creating the atmosphere of these parties, with jazz bands providing the soundtrack for the revelry. The music at Gatsby's parties serves as a symbol of the excess and superficiality of the wealthy elite, as well as the fleeting nature of pleasure and happiness.

The Green Light

One of the most iconic symbols in The Great Gatsby is the green light at the end of Daisy Buchanan's dock. This green light represents Gatsby's longing for the past and his unattainable dreams. In the novel, music is used to underscore the significance of the green light, with Gatsby listening to distant jazz music as he gazes at the green light across the water. The music serves as a poignant reminder of Gatsby's yearning for a lost love and a bygone era.

Tom and Daisy's Music

In contrast to the lively jazz music that permeates Gatsby's world, Tom and Daisy Buchanan are associated with more traditional, classical music. Their taste in music reflects their conservative and old-fashioned attitudes, as well as their privileged upbringing. The contrast between the music favored by Gatsby and the Buchanans highlights the differences in their personalities and values, as well as the divide between old money and new money in 1920s America.

Gatsby's Tragic End

As the novel reaches its climax, music is used to underscore the tragic conclusion of Gatsby's story. When Gatsby is shot and killed in his swimming pool, the only sound that can be heard is the melancholy wail of a distant saxophone. This haunting music serves as a symbol of Gatsby's lost dreams and unfulfilled aspirations, as well as the emptiness and disillusionment that lie beneath the surface of the Jazz Age's glittering façade.

Conclusion

In conclusion, music plays a crucial symbolic role in The Great Gatsby, enhancing the novel's themes and enriching its characters. From the lively jazz music that accompanies Gatsby's parties to the haunting saxophone that underscores his tragic end, music serves as a powerful tool for conveying emotion, setting the tone, and enriching the overall atmosphere of the novel. By using music in this way, Fitzgerald creates a rich and immersive world that captivates readers and brings the Jazz Age to life in all its decadence, glamour, and tragedy.