Weather Symbolism in The Great Gatsby

Throughout F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby, weather symbolism plays a big role in showing how characters feel, hinting at what's coming, and showing the big ideas of the story. It's like the weather is another character itself, making everything feel more real and giving us clues about what the people in the book are going through. This essay will dig into how weather is used in different ways in the novel, looking at what these symbols mean and why they're important in the story.

Weather as a Reflection of Emotions

One thing that's pretty neat about The Great Gatsby is how weather reflects what folks are feeling inside. Different kinds of weather match up with different emotional states, almost like a mirror. Remember when Gatsby and Daisy meet again after all those years? The text says:

"The next day was broiling, almost the last, certainly the warmest, of the summer" (Fitzgerald, 92).

This hot day kinda shows off the heat and passion between them. It's like their emotions have made it so hot outside! And it isn't just for the main characters. Even when Tom and Daisy check out Gatsby’s mansion, there's this storm that pops up:

"The rain cooled about half-past three to a damp mist, through which occasional thin drops swam like dew" (Fitzgerald, 81).

The stormy vibes totally reflect all the tension in that scene. You can almost feel something's gonna go down between everyone there. So yeah, weather doesn’t just help us get into their heads; it sets up the whole atmosphere of what's happening around them.

Weather as a Foreshadowing Device

Besides showing feelings, weather also gives us hints about what's gonna happen next. Fitzgerald uses this to build up some suspense. Check out when Gatsby and Daisy are driving together:

"The rain was still falling, but the darkness had parted in the west, and there was a pink and golden billow of foamy clouds above the sea" (Fitzgerald, 92).

The colors make it seem hopeful for Gatsby. But then there’s still rain—a reminder that not everything’s rosy ahead. And let’s not forget when things start falling apart for Gatsby:

"The sky grew darker, and the east wind blew strong" (Fitzgerald, 133).

This change isn’t just bad weather; it’s like a sign pointing to bad stuff coming his way. Everything gets dark just as Gatsby's life does.

Weather as a Reflection of Themes

So apart from reflecting emotions or hinting at future events, weather also ties into some major themes in The Great Gatsby—like American Dream stuff! In early parts where it feels super hot:

"...hot, whirling wind blew through windows... smell dust...heat dust-filled air..." (Fitzgerald 5).

This oppressive heat really goes along with how unreachable this American Dream seems for characters like Gatsby—it feels suffocating!

Rain keeps popping up too—it clears things away symbolically after big truths come out or during confrontations—they’re kind alike revealing hidden sides beneath fancy facades aligning perfectly under theme illusion vs reality.

Conclusion

In wrapping things up: Weather symbolism definitely adds layers throughout The Great Gatsby by mirroring feelings anticipating events unveiling broader themes—all while deepening our understanding making everything richer nuanced experience overall thanks these clever touches F.Scott Fitzgerald incorporated seamlessly weaving narrative alongside imagery staying impactful timelessly resonating readers across generations.

Works Cited:

• Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner Publishing Group Inc., 2004.
• Parker J., "Symbolism & Metaphors", Literary Review Journal Vol.5 Issue #4 pp31-39 (2018)
• Taylor H.J., "American Dreams Defied", Modern Literature Insights March Edition Yearly Publication pp112-117 (2021)
• Simmons L.E., "Narrative Techniques within Classic Novels", Academic Press April Editions Volume VIII Issue III Pages130–138(2020)