From Conflict to Identity: Main Issues Explored in US Literary Education - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Analyze the role of gender in “The Yellow Wallpaper” by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s "The Great Gatsby" is a masterful work of art that has captivated readers for generations. One of the key elements that contribute to its enduring appeal is the use of symbolism throughout the novel. From the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock to the eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg, Fitzgerald uses symbols to convey deeper meanings and themes. In this essay, I will explore the role of symbolism in "The Great Gatsby" and analyze how it contributes to the novel's themes.

The first symbol that we encounter in the novel is the green light at the end of Daisy's dock. The light represents Gatsby's longing for Daisy and his desire to reach for the unattainable. It also symbolizes the American Dream and the idea that with hard work and perseverance, anyone can achieve success. The green light is described as "minute and far away," which creates a sense of distance and unattainability. This symbol is a reminder that even though Gatsby has achieved great wealth and status, he cannot attain true happiness without Daisy.

Another important symbol in the novel is the valley of ashes. This desolate and barren landscape is located between West Egg and New York City and represents the moral decay of American society during the 1920s. The valley of ashes is a byproduct of the industrialization and capitalism that were taking place during this time. It is a place of poverty and hopelessness where the poor and disenfranchised live and work in miserable conditions. The symbol serves as a reminder of the destructive consequences of unchecked capitalism and the corruption of the American Dream.

The eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg are another significant symbol in the novel. The eyes are described as "blue and gigantic" and are located on a billboard above the valley of ashes. The eyes represent the lack of God and morality in American society during the 1920s. They are a reminder that the characters in the novel have lost their moral compass and are driven by greed and selfishness. The eyes also symbolize the loss of spirituality and the emptiness that many people felt during this time.

The character of Jay Gatsby himself is a symbol of the American Dream. Gatsby is a self-made man who has achieved great wealth and status through his own hard work and determination. However, his pursuit of the American Dream has left him lonely and unfulfilled, and his love for Daisy is the only thing that gives his life meaning. Gatsby's tragic end is a reminder that the American Dream is often a mirage that leads to emptiness and despair.

The color white is used throughout the novel to represent purity and innocence. Daisy is often described wearing white, and her voice is described as "full of money," which suggests that she is pure and innocent on the surface but corrupt and greedy underneath. The color white is also associated with Gatsby's dream of wealth and status, as his mansion is described as "white as a cake." However, the white is also a reminder of the emptiness and shallowness of the wealthy characters in the novel.

Fitzgerald also uses symbolism to create a sense of illusion and reality. The character of Gatsby is the embodiment of this theme. Gatsby has created an illusion of himself as a wealthy and sophisticated man, but in reality, he is a former bootlegger who has gained his wealth through illegal means. The parties that he throws at his mansion are another example of this theme. The parties are extravagant and glamorous, but they are also hollow and devoid of true meaning. They are an illusion that covers up the reality of the characters' lives.

In conclusion, "The Great Gatsby" is a novel that is rich in symbolism. The green light at the end of Daisy's dock symbolizes not only Gatsby's longing for Daisy but also the universal desire for a better future and the American Dream. The valley of ashes serves as a stark reminder of the destructive consequences of unchecked capitalism and the loss of morality in American society. The eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg are a haunting symbol of the emptiness and lack of spirituality that characterized the 1920s. Jay Gatsby himself is the embodiment of the American Dream, but his tragic end serves as a cautionary tale about the emptiness and corruption that can come with it.

Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald expertly weaves symbols into the narrative to create a deeper meaning and convey important themes. The use of symbolism adds layers of complexity and depth to the novel, elevating it from a mere tale of love and wealth to a commentary on the human condition and the flaws of American society. The symbols in "The Great Gatsby" are not merely decorative but essential to the understanding of the novel as a whole.

Moreover, the use of color symbolism is particularly effective in "The Great Gatsby". The color white, for instance, is not only associated with purity and innocence but also with the shallowness and emptiness of the wealthy characters. The color yellow, which is often used to describe Gatsby's car, represents both his wealth and his moral decay. The use of color symbolism adds to the visual imagery of the novel and helps to convey the themes of illusion and reality.

Fitzgerald's use of symbolism is not limited to objects and colors but also extends to the characters themselves. Each character in the novel represents a different aspect of American society during the 1920s. Tom Buchanan, for instance, represents the old money and traditional values of the upper class. Daisy represents the corruption and greed that underlie the surface of society. Gatsby represents the American Dream and the hope for a better future.

In conclusion, the role of symbolism in "The Great Gatsby" is essential to the understanding of the novel as a whole. Fitzgerald's use of symbols adds layers of meaning and complexity to the narrative, conveying important themes and commentary on American society. From the green light at the end of Daisy's dock to the eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg, every symbol in the novel serves a purpose and contributes to the overall effect of the story. "The Great Gatsby" is a masterpiece of literature, and the use of symbolism is just one of the many reasons why it continues to captivate readers to this day.