Literary Devices in The Great Gatsby

Symbols

Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is a novel filled with symbols that represent deeper meanings and themes. From the green light at the end of Daisy's dock to the valley of ashes, symbolism is used throughout the novel to express the underlying themes of the story.

The green light symbolism

One of the most prominent symbols in The Great Gatsby is the green light. Located at the end of Daisy's dock, the green light represents Gatsby's desire for Daisy and his hope to win her back. It also represents the idea of the American Dream, which is the hope for a better life and the belief that anything is possible with hard work and determination. Gatsby associates the green light with his dreams of a future with Daisy, but ultimately, the light is unattainable and represents the impossibility of achieving the idealistic American Dream.

The valley of ashes

Another symbol that plays a significant role in the novel is the valley of ashes, which is a desolate industrial wasteland located between West Egg and New York City. The valley represents the moral decay of society and the emptiness of the American Dream. It is a place where the poor and desperate live and work, symbolizing the dark side of the wealthy lifestyle represented by the characters of the novel. The valley of ashes in The Great Gatsby is also a metaphor for the spiritual emptiness and corruption that lies beneath the glamorous surface of the wealthy characters.

The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg

The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg are another prominent symbol in the novel. The eyes are a billboard located in the valley of ashes, and they are described as "blue and gigantic – their retinas are one yard high." The eyes represent the loss of spiritual values in America, and the materialism that has taken their place. The eyes are a reminder of the spiritual emptiness of the characters and the society in which they live.

Parties

Gatsby's parties are another symbol that represents the emptiness of the wealthy lifestyle. The parties are extravagant and lavish, but they are also superficial and lack substance. The guests at the parties are there to enjoy the wealth and extravagance, but they have no real connection to Gatsby or his lifestyle. The parties represent the illusion of the American Dream, the idea that material possessions and wealth can bring happiness and fulfillment.

Color symbolism

Finally, the use of color symbolism is prevalent in The Great Gatsby. The color green represents hope and optimism, but it also represents envy and greed. The color yellow represents corruption and moral decay, while the color white represents innocence and purity, but it can also be a symbol of emptiness and lack of substance.

In conclusion, the use of symbolism in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is significant in conveying the deeper themes of the novel. From the green light to the valley of ashes, the symbols used in the novel represent the corruption and moral decay of society, the loss of spiritual values, and the emptiness of the American Dream. The use of symbolism adds depth and meaning to the story, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.

Foreshadowing

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a novel filled with foreshadowing that gives readers insight into what will happen later in the story. The use of foreshadowing in the novel is an essential technique that creates a sense of anticipation and suspense, adding to the overall impact of the story.

One example of foreshadowing in the novel is the billboard of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg. The eyes on the billboard are described as "blue and gigantic — their retinas are one yard high. They look out of no face but instead, from a pair of enormous yellow spectacles which pass over a non-existent nose." This description is repeated several times throughout the novel, and the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg become a recurring symbol that is associated with the theme of the loss of moral values. The eyes also foreshadow the moral decay of society and the corrupt characters in the story. Additionally, the billboard serves as a reminder that God is watching the characters and their actions.

Another instance of foreshadowing in the novel is Gatsby's green light. Gatsby is frequently seen staring at the green light across the bay, which is revealed to be the light on Daisy's dock. The green light serves as a symbol of Gatsby's hopes and dreams, particularly his desire to be reunited with Daisy. The light represents his longing for the past, and his hope for a future with Daisy. The green light is also an example of foreshadowing because it sets up the tragic end of the novel. Gatsby's hope for a future with Daisy is never realized, and his obsession with her ultimately leads to his downfall.

Another example of foreshadowing in The Great Gatsby is the weather. The novel takes place during the summer, a time typically associated with joy and happiness. However, throughout the story, there are several instances of violent weather that foreshadow the tragic events that will occur. For example, during the confrontation between Tom and Gatsby in the hotel room, there is a violent thunderstorm outside. The storm reflects the anger and violence that is brewing inside the room. Similarly, when Gatsby and Daisy reunite, it is pouring rain outside. The rain symbolizes the tears that are shed over the course of the novel, and it foreshadows the tragic end to their relationship.

Lastly, the character of Nick Carraway also serves as a tool for foreshadowing. Nick is the narrator of the story, and he frequently comments on the events that occur in the novel. For example, in the opening lines of the novel, Nick says, "In my younger and more vulnerable state, my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since. ‘Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone,’ he told me, ‘just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.’" This quote sets the tone for the entire novel, foreshadowing Nick's impartial and objective perspective.

Additionally, Nick's descriptions of Gatsby's lavish parties provide foreshadowing for the ultimate futility of Gatsby's attempts to win back Daisy. For example, Nick describes the guests at one of Gatsby's parties as "the same people, or at least the same sort of people, who...knew Gatsby and Daisy one autumn night in 1917." This alludes to the fact that no matter how much Gatsby tries to recreate the past, it will never be the same.

In The Great Gatsby, foreshadowing is used to heighten the tension and add depth to the narrative. The various symbols and events all serve as warnings of the ultimate tragedy that befalls the characters. Fitzgerald's masterful use of foreshadowing ensures that the reader is never caught off guard by the events of the story and is always aware of the looming sense of doom.

Setting

The setting is a critical element in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. The novel is set in the roaring 1920s, during the period of economic prosperity and social upheaval following World War I. The story is primarily set in the fictional town of West Egg and East Egg on Long Island, near New York City. However, other locations, such as the Valley of Ashes and New York City, are also significant in the narrative.

West Egg is the home of new money, while East Egg represents old money. The distinction between the two settings is essential to the novel's theme of social class and the American Dream. West Egg is where the narrator Nick Carraway and the novel's protagonist Jay Gatsby reside. Gatsby's mansion, a symbol of his wealth, is located here. On the other hand, East Egg is the location of the Buchanan residence, where Tom and Daisy Buchanan live. They represent old money and are part of the established social elite. The contrast between the two settings demonstrates the division between old and new money and highlights the class conflict in the novel.

The Valley of Ashes, located between West Egg and New York City, symbolizes the moral decay and social corruption of the era. It is home to those who have been left behind by the American Dream and represents the failure of capitalism. The ashes and industrial waste from New York City are dumped here, creating a barren and lifeless environment. The billboard of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg's eyes serves as a significant symbol of the moral decay of society. The eyes are an advertisement for an optometrist but are interpreted by some characters as the eyes of God or a symbol of a loss of spirituality.

New York City, with its bustling streets and bright lights, represents the hedonistic and materialistic lifestyle that is prevalent in the novel. Gatsby and his acquaintances spend much of their time in the city's extravagant nightclubs and speakeasies. The city is also where Gatsby and Daisy rekindle their romance, and it is where the climax of the novel takes place.

The setting of The Great Gatsby also plays a crucial role in developing the characters. The characters' homes and surroundings reflect their personalities and values. For instance, Gatsby's mansion is a reflection of his materialistic and ostentatious personality, while Nick's modest cottage reflects his more reserved and modest character. Similarly, the Buchanan's mansion is grand and opulent, reflecting their position in society and their desire for status and material possessions.

Furthermore, the setting of the novel is significant because it allows the reader to understand the characters' motivations and aspirations. The characters are all striving for the American Dream, the idea that anyone can achieve success through hard work and determination. The setting provides a backdrop for the characters' pursuit of wealth, status, and happiness. Gatsby's desire to attain Daisy's love and acceptance is a manifestation of his desire to achieve the American Dream. Similarly, Tom and Daisy's affair represents their need to fill the emptiness in their lives, despite their social and economic status.

In conclusion, the setting is an essential aspect of The Great Gatsby, influencing the characters' motivations, values, and aspirations. The contrasting settings of West Egg and East Egg, the Valley of Ashes, and New York City provide a backdrop for the characters' pursuit of the American Dream. The setting also serves as a symbol of the moral decay and social corruption of the era, highlighting the novel's themes of social class, the American Dream, and the corrupting influence of wealth and material possessions.

Genre

The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a novel that is often classified as a modernist literary work. However, the book also contains elements of other genres, such as romance, tragedy, and even satire.

One of the primary characteristics of modernist literature is its focus on the inner workings of the mind and the exploration of subjective experiences. In The Great Gatsby, this is evident through the use of first-person narration by Nick Carraway, who provides a subjective account of the events in the novel. Additionally, the book's fragmented structure, non-linear plot, and stream-of-consciousness writing style are all hallmarks of modernist literature.

At the same time, The Great Gatsby genre can also be seen as a romance novel, with its central love story between Gatsby and Daisy. The novel's focus on the characters' emotions, desires, and passions is typical of the romance genre. Moreover, the book's tragic ending, in which Gatsby and Daisy's love is ultimately thwarted by external forces, is a common element in romantic tragedies.

Furthermore, The Great Gatsby also contains elements of a social commentary, particularly in its critique of the American Dream and the wealthy elite of the Roaring Twenties. In fact, most of The Great Gatsby essay examples usually explore these particular topics. Through characters like Tom and Daisy Buchanan, Fitzgerald portrays the corruption and emptiness of the wealthy social class, who are more concerned with their own pleasure than with anything else. This is further emphasized by the stark contrast between the opulence of the Buchanan's mansion and the poverty of the Wilson's garage.

Finally, the book also contains elements of satire, particularly in its depiction of the various characters and their flaws. Through characters like Tom and Daisy, who are portrayed as selfish, careless, and morally bankrupt, Fitzgerald satirizes the excesses and vices of the wealthy elite. Similarly, the character of Gatsby himself, with his grandiose parties, elaborate schemes, and delusions of grandeur, can be seen as a satire of the American Dream and the idea that anyone can achieve success and happiness through hard work and determination.

In conclusion, The Great Gatsby is a complex work of literature that defies easy classification into a single genre. While the genre of The Great Gatsby is often considered a modernist novel due to its focus on subjective experiences and fragmented structure, the book also contains elements of romance, tragedy, social commentary, and satire. This blend of genres allows the book to explore a wide range of themes and ideas, from the corrupting influence of wealth and power to the illusions and disappointments of love and desire. Ultimately, it is the combination of these various elements that make The Great Gatsby a timeless masterpiece of American literature.

Allusions

The use of allusions is a prominent aspect of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby. Fitzgerald frequently references historical events, literature, and mythology throughout the novel to add depth and meaning to the story.

One of the most significant allusions in the novel is the use of the Green Light. The Green Light, which is located at the end of Daisy Buchanan's dock, is a symbol of Gatsby's hope for the future and his desire to be with Daisy. This allusion to the light acts as a metaphor for the American Dream, which is the idea that anyone can achieve success and happiness through hard work and determination. The Green Light represents the unattainable dream that Gatsby is pursuing, and his inability to reach it highlights the flaws and limitations of the American Dream.

Another example of allusion in the novel is the character of Dan Cody. Cody is an influential figure in Gatsby's life, and Gatsby sees him as a mentor and father figure. However, Cody is also a symbol of the corrupting influence of wealth and power. Cody's wealth was acquired through dishonest means, and his life ended tragically as a result of his excess and recklessness. The allusion to Cody's story serves as a warning to Gatsby and the other characters in the novel about the dangers of pursuing wealth and success at any cost.

Fitzgerald also uses allusions to literature and mythology to enhance the themes and motifs of the novel. For example, the character of Gatsby can be seen as a modern-day version of the mythological figure of Icarus. Icarus flew too close to the sun with his wax wings and fell to his death, just as Gatsby's pursuit of wealth and love ultimately leads to his downfall. The allusion to Icarus reinforces the idea that excessive ambition and pride can lead to tragic consequences.

The novel also references T.S. Eliot's poem "The Waste Land," which is a critique of the disillusionment and decay of post-World War I society. The use of this allusion highlights the themes of decay and moral decay that are present in The Great Gatsby. The novel portrays the excess and decadence of the wealthy elite in the 1920s, but also the emptiness and hollowness of their lives.

In conclusion, the use of allusions in The Great Gatsby is a significant aspect of the novel. Fitzgerald uses allusions to historical events, literature, and mythology to add depth and meaning to the story, enhance the themes and motifs of the novel, and provide a critique of the society and culture of the time. The allusions serve as a reminder that the characters' lives and experiences are not isolated, but rather influenced and shaped by the wider cultural and historical context in which they exist.

Metaphors

Metaphors are a central aspect of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby. Fitzgerald uses metaphors to describe characters, events, and emotions in a way that is both vivid and symbolic. Through the use of metaphors, Fitzgerald is able to convey complex ideas and themes, such as the corrupting influence of money, the illusion of the American Dream, and the fleeting nature of time.

One of the most prominent metaphors in the novel is the green light at the end of Daisy's dock. This light represents Gatsby's longing for Daisy and his hope for a future with her. Throughout the novel, the green light is described in various ways, such as "the orgiastic future that year by year recedes before us" (Chapter 1) and "the green breast of the new world" (Chapter 5). These descriptions suggest that Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy is not just a personal desire, but a reflection of a larger cultural and historical phenomenon, namely the American Dream.

Another important metaphor in the novel is the Valley of Ashes. This desolate wasteland between West Egg and New York City is described as a "fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens" (Chapter 2). The Valley of Ashes represents the moral decay and spiritual emptiness of the wealthy elite. It is a physical manifestation of the corruption and greed that underlies the pursuit of wealth and status in the novel.

The eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg are another powerful metaphor in the novel. These eyes, which are described as "blue and gigantic" and "brood[ing] over everything" (Chapter 2), are painted on a billboard in the Valley of Ashes. The eyes represent a god-like presence that watches over the characters, exposing their moral corruption and foreshadowing their ultimate downfall. The eyes also symbolize the loss of spiritual values in America, as the characters in the novel worship money and material success instead of more meaningful pursuits.

Fitzgerald also uses metaphor to describe characters in the novel. For example, Gatsby is described as "a son of God" (Chapter 9), suggesting his idealistic and romantic nature. Daisy, on the other hand, is described as "the golden girl" (Chapter 7), representing her beauty, wealth, and allure. Tom Buchanan is described as having "two shining, arrogant eyes" (Chapter 1), emphasizing his sense of entitlement and superiority.

Overall, the use of metaphors in The Great Gatsby is a powerful tool for conveying the novel's themes and ideas. By using vivid and symbolic language to describe characters, events, and settings, Fitzgerald is able to create a world that is both realistic and dreamlike, capturing the complexities of human nature and the contradictions of American society.