It’s not every day you come across a novel that makes you ponder over its characters and their underlying symbols, but Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is certainly one of them. And, if there’s one character in the novel that firmly holds this position, it has to be Jay Gatsby. Gatsby is more than just a character in the novel; he’s a symbol. But what does Gatsby symbolize? That is the question that has captured the imaginations of readers for over a century now.
Fitzgerald’s portrayal of Gatsby has sparked many debates and discussions around his symbolism. Some argue that Gatsby symbolizes the American Dream, while for others, he embodies the greed and corruption of the wealthy elite. Regardless of which school of thought you belong to, there’s no denying that Gatsby represents something much more than he appears to be on the surface level. From his lavish parties to his obsessive love for Daisy, everything Gatsby does has a deeper meaning that can be peeled like layers of an onion.
What’s fascinating about The Great Gatsby is how Fitzgerald manages to weave the character of Gatsby seamlessly throughout the narrative, without giving away too much about his backstory until the very end. Gatsby’s symbolism is multi-layered, and Fitzgerald leaves interpretations of what Gatsby represents to the readers’ discretion. As we delve further into the novel, we’ll be exploring the many different interpretations that exist around what Gatsby symbolizes and what his grave fate says about the society in which he lived.
The American Dream
In “The Great Gatsby,” the American Dream is one of the central themes that the author, F. Scott Fitzgerald, weaves throughout the story. The American Dream represents the idea that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination, regardless of their social class or background. Jay Gatsby, the protagonist of the novel, embodies this idea of the American Dream. He starts out as a poor soldier and rises to become a wealthy, successful businessman. However, as the story progresses, it becomes evident that his success is built on deception and corruption.
- Traditional American Dream: One of the key aspects of the American Dream is the idea that anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work. This traditional view of the American Dream suggests that anyone can achieve success if they put in enough effort and work hard enough.
- Corrupted American Dream: In “The Great Gatsby,” Fitzgerald examines the darker side of the American Dream by showing how the pursuit of wealth and success can become corrupted. Jay Gatsby, the protagonist of the novel, represents this corrupted version of the American Dream. He longs to be reunited with his lost love, Daisy, and thinks that by becoming wealthy and successful, he can win her back. However, his pursuit of wealth and success is built on deception and corruption, as he becomes involved in illegal activities to make money.
- Futility of American Dream: Fitzgerald also suggests that the American Dream may be ultimately futile. Despite Gatsby’s immense wealth and success, he is never able to fully achieve his dreams. He is still haunted by his past and is ultimately unable to win the love of Daisy. The novel ends with a sense of hopelessness and despair, underscoring the idea that the American Dream may be unattainable or even illusory.
Overall, “The Great Gatsby” offers a complex and nuanced commentary on the American Dream. While the traditional view of the American Dream is celebrated, the novel also shows how it can become corrupted and even ultimately futile. Through Gatsby’s story, Fitzgerald offers a critique of the shallow materialism that can accompany the pursuit of wealth and success, reminding readers that true happiness and fulfillment may lie elsewhere.
Wealth and Materialism
The Great Gatsby is a novel that critiques the American dream of wealth and material success. Through the character of Jay Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald shows how the pursuit of wealth can lead to moral degradation and disillusionment. Gatsby, who came from humble beginnings, becomes obsessed with the idea of wealth and status, believing that they will enable him to win back his former love, Daisy Buchanan. In doing so, he becomes a symbol of the American dream, both its promise and its pitfalls.
- Firstly, Gatsby’s wealth symbolizes the corruption that is inherent in the pursuit of material success. He makes his fortune through illegal means, getting involved in bootlegging and other criminal activities. Despite his apparent success, however, he is never fully accepted by the upper-class society he longs to be a part of. This highlights the class tensions that exist at the heart of American society, and the extent to which wealth can be a source of exclusion as well as inclusion.
- Secondly, Gatsby’s wealth represents the hollowness of the American dream. Although he is materially successful, he is ultimately unable to win back Daisy, the woman he loves. This suggests that the pursuit of wealth and status is ultimately futile, as it cannot buy happiness or fulfillment. Indeed, Gatsby’s story ends in tragedy, with his death symbolizing the destructive nature of the American dream and its failure to deliver on its promises.
- Finally, the materialism that is associated with wealth is satirized throughout the novel. Fitzgerald presents a world in which people are judged by their possessions rather than their character, and where success is measured solely in terms of material wealth. This is seen most clearly in the character of Tom Buchanan, who is arrogant and cruel despite his wealth. Fitzgerald suggests that such materialism is shallow and ultimately unsatisfying, emphasizing the need for a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
The Green Light
The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock is one of the most iconic symbols in The Great Gatsby. It represents Gatsby’s desires and hopes, and is a constant reminder of the gap between him and Daisy. The light is also a symbol of the American dream, which is characterized by the belief that anything is possible with hard work and determination.
However, the green light also symbolizes the shallowness and superficiality of the American dream. Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy is driven by his desire for wealth and status, rather than by genuine love and affection. In this sense, the green light represents the delusions and false promises of the American dream, which can lead to moral degradation and despair.
| Symbol | Meaning | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The green light | Gatsby’s desires and hopes, the gap between him and Daisy, and the delusions of the American dream. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gatsby’s mansion | The hollowness of the American dream and the corruption that is inherent in the pursuit of material success. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The Valley of Ashes | The moral decay and corruption that is pervasive in American society, particularly among the working class. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| The looming presence of God and the specter of moral judgement in American society. |
| Positive aspects of the Jazz Age | Negative aspects of the Jazz Age |
|---|---|
| The Jazz Age was a time of significant cultural and societal changes that had a profound impact on America’s history and development. | The excess and frivolity of the Jazz Age ultimately led to the decline of the era and had long-lasting effects on American society. |
| The Jazz Age represented a time of great innovation and creativity, particularly in the realms of music, literature, and art. | The rampant corruption and disregard for morality that characterized the Jazz Age serve as a warning against unchecked capitalism and the pursuit of wealth at all costs. |
The Jazz Age remains relevant today as it provides an insight into America’s past and the societal changes that shaped its development. Moreover, the lessons learned from the excesses and decline of the Jazz Age serve as a warning against the dangers of unchecked greed and moral corruption, which are still relevant today.
Love and Romance
In The Great Gatsby, love and romance play a significant role in the lives of the characters and help to develop the central theme of the novel. Here, we explore what Gatsby symbolizes in terms of love and romance.
- Gatsby’s unrequited love for Daisy symbolizes the American dream that is always out of reach. Gatsby believes that if he can just win Daisy’s love, he will have achieved his dream of success and happiness. However, no matter how much he pursues her, Daisy remains distant and unattainable, representing the impossibility of achieving the idealized American dream.
- The affair between Tom and Myrtle illustrates the destructive nature of love that is based on societal status and material possessions. Tom uses Myrtle for his own pleasure, while Myrtle sees him as a ticket to a better life. Ultimately, their love leads to tragedy and death, highlighting the danger of pursuing love for external reasons rather than genuine affection.
- The relationship between Nick and Jordan represents a more realistic and practical approach to love. They are drawn to each other, but also recognize each other’s flaws and limitations. Nick describes their relationship as “casual” and “careless,” suggesting that they are not making grandiose declarations of love like Gatsby and Daisy, but rather are content with a simpler, more honest kind of love.
Gatsby himself is a symbol of the power of love and its ability to drive individuals to greatness. His love for Daisy inspires him to become wealthy and successful, but also drives him to pursue a dangerous and ultimately doomed path. However, his unyielding devotion and determination in the face of adversity are a testament to the transformative power of love.
| Symbol | Description |
|---|---|
| Daisy | The unattainable ideal of love and success |
| Tom and Myrtle’s affair | The destructive nature of love based on material possessions |
| Nick and Jordan’s relationship | A more realistic and practical approach to love |
| Gatsby | The transformative power of love and devotion |
In conclusion, love and romance in The Great Gatsby symbolize the various ways in which individuals pursue an idealized version of the American dream, often with tragic consequences. Whether it is through unbridled passion, devotion, or materialistic pursuits, the novel explores the complexities of love and its ability to shape individuals and their lives.
The Color Green
Symbolism is an essential component of literature, and in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, the color green represents various aspects that contribute to the overall theme of the story. From the lush gardens of Gatsby’s mansion to the green light that Jay Gatsby constantly looks at across the bay, the color green holds significant meaning throughout the novel. Here’s a detailed explanation of what the color green represents in The Great Gatsby.
- Wealth and Materialism:
- Envy and Jealousy:
- Hope:
The color green is often associated with money and wealth, and it is a predominant color in the novel, especially in Gatsby’s world. The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock symbolizes Gatsby’s desire for wealth and luxury, which he believes will help him win Daisy’s heart.
In The Great Gatsby, green also represents envy and jealousy, as demonstrated by Tom Buchanan’s jealousy towards Gatsby and his wealth. Fitzgerald uses green to show the darker side of materialism and how it can lead to discontentment and envy.
The green light also represents hope, as it serves as a beacon of possibility for Gatsby. Despite the challenges he faces in trying to win Daisy’s love, the green light gives him hope that one day they may be reunited.
Moreover, the green color is used to describe the natural world, most notably the gardens in Gatsby’s mansion. The gardens represent Gatsby’s attempt to create an idyllic world that contrasts with the harsh reality of the East Egg social scene, where wealth and status are everything.
In conclusion, the color green in The Great Gatsby is multifaceted and is used to represent several themes and ideas. From wealth and materialism to envy and hope, the green color adds depth and complexity to the novel, making it a masterpiece of modern American literature.
The Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg
The billboard featuring the Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg is a prominent symbol in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.” The billboard is situated in the Valley of Ashes, which represents the poverty and despair of the working-class people. The eyes, which are blue and gigantic, are framed by yellow glasses and stand out against the grey landscape.
There are several interpretations of what the eyes symbolize, but the most widely accepted one is that they represent God or a higher power that is watching over the characters. Here are some of the possible interpretations:
- The eyes represent the moral wasteland of the society in the novel. They are a passive witness to the immoral actions of the characters.
- They symbolize the unattainable American Dream that the characters are striving for. The eyes represent the hope and aspirations of the people, which are unattainable for most of them.
- The eyes can be interpreted as the face of God that is watching over the characters and holding them accountable for their actions.
The Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg are mentioned several times in the novel, and they become a recurring motif. They are first introduced in Chapter 2 when Nick travels to the Valley of Ashes. He describes them as “brooding” and “watchful,” giving the impression that they are always observing and judging the characters.
Moreover, the eyes are associated with the character of George Wilson, who believes that they represent God and accuses Tom Buchanan of having an affair with his wife based on what he saw in the eyes. The association of the eyes with George Wilson’s religious beliefs strengthens the interpretation that they symbolize a higher power that is overseeing the events of the novel.
| Character | Views on the Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg |
|---|---|
| George Wilson | Believes that they represent God and uses them as evidence for his accusation against Tom Buchanan |
| Tom Buchanan | Describes them as a pair of eyes that serve no purpose |
| Nick Carraway | Associates them with God and notes that they are “watchful” and “brooding” |
In conclusion, the Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg are a compelling symbol in “The Great Gatsby” and have various interpretations. They represent the moral decay of the society, the unattainable American Dream, or a higher power that is watching over the characters and holding them accountable for their actions. Their association with the character of George Wilson and his religious beliefs strengthens the interpretation that they represent God.
East vs West Egg
One of the most significant symbols in The Great Gatsby is the comparison between the East and West Eggs. The East Egg represents the old aristocracy with its inherited wealth and long-standing social connections, while the West Egg represents the new rich who have made their fortunes recently through entrepreneurship and hard work.
The contrast between the two eggs reveals the stark divide between the old and new money in America and the clash between tradition and modernity in the early 20th century.
The Number 7
Throughout the novel, the number 7 recurs as a symbol of magical significance. Gatsby’s parties occur every Saturday, which is the seventh day of the week. Gatsby himself lives in a mansion at 7 West Egg. Moreover, Gatsby’s car has the number plate “M-7” which is a representation of Meyer Wolfsheim, a dangerous man with whom Gatsby has shady dealings.
The number 7 also has religious and mystical connotations, as it represents perfection and completeness in many cultures. This symbolism suggests that Gatsby’s quest for Daisy is not merely a romantic fascination, but a spiritual pursuit for something greater than earthly pleasures.
The repeated appearance of 7 throughout the novel underscores the mystical and spiritual themes that run beneath the surface of the story.
Social Class and Inequality
The Great Gatsby is a novel that delves deep into the social inequalities of the time, specifically in terms of the class divide that existed in the 1920s. While the story is set in the glamourous world of the rich, the novel focuses on the characters who are on the outskirts of this social circle, observing and commenting on the extravagance and excess of the wealthy.
- Fitzgerald uses symbolism to highlight the differences between different classes and the issues they face. One such symbol is the number 8, which appears frequently throughout the novel. The number 8 represents the division between the rich and poor, highlighting the vast differences in their lifestyles and opportunities.
- In Chapter 8, Gatsby’s party is in full swing, but the scene is overshadowed by the fact that Tom Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson are having an affair, highlighting the hypocrisy and moral decay of the upper class.
- The divide between the social classes is further illustrated by the contrast between Gatsby’s extravagant parties and the desolate Valley of Ashes, where the poor and working-class characters live. This disparity is highlighted by the billboard of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, a symbol of the empty promises of the American Dream.
Fitzgerald uses the number 8 as a motif throughout the novel to represent the divide between the rich and poor. The number is significant because it is an even number, symbolizing balance and harmony, but it also represents the infinite, highlighting the vast differences between the wealthy and the poor. The rich live in a world of excess and luxury, while the poor struggle to survive in a world of poverty and despair.
| Class | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| The Rich | Excessive wealth, lavish parties, and extravagant lifestyles |
| The Working Class and Poor | Struggle to survive, limited opportunities, and living in poverty |
The number 8 is just one of the many symbols that Fitzgerald uses to draw attention to the social inequalities of the time. Through his use of symbolism, he highlights the hypocrisy and moral decay of the upper class, while also shedding light on the struggles of the working-class characters. The Great Gatsby is a powerful commentary on the social injustices of the time and a warning against the dangers of excess and greed.
Corruption and Deception
Throughout F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, a number of symbols are used to represent various themes and ideas. One of the most important of these is the character of Jay Gatsby himself, who embodies both corruption and deception.
Gatsby is presented as a man who has made his fortune through illegal means, including bootlegging and other criminal activities. He is a symbol of the moral decay of society in the 1920s, when many people made their fortunes through similarly dubious means. Despite his wealth and power, however, Gatsby is never accepted by the upper class of East Egg, who see him as a vulgar interloper.
- Gatsby’s mansion symbolizes both his wealth and his corruption, as it is built using money earned through illegal activities.
- The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock represents Gatsby’s deep longing for wealth and status, as well as his longing for Daisy herself.
- Gatsby’s car, with its bright yellow color and luxurious design, is a symbol of his wealth and status. However, it is also responsible for the deaths of two people, representing the dangerous consequences of Gatsby’s criminal activities.
In addition to symbolizing corruption, Gatsby also embodies the theme of deception. He creates a false persona for himself, pretending to be someone he is not in order to win Daisy’s love. He creates a web of lies and half-truths in order to maintain this false identity, and ultimately it is this deception that leads to his downfall.
The following table shows some of the key instances of deception in the novel:
| Character | Deception |
|---|---|
| Gatsby | Pretending to be a wealthy and sophisticated man in order to win Daisy’s love |
| Daisy | Lying about her feelings for Tom in order to maintain her relationship with him, while also leading Gatsby on |
| Tom | Having affairs behind Daisy’s back, while also accusing Gatsby of being unfaithful |
Overall, the character of Gatsby symbolizes both corruption and deception, two key themes in The Great Gatsby. Through his character and the symbols associated with him, Fitzgerald presents a powerful critique of the materialism and moral decay of the society of the time.
Isolation and Loneliness
In The Great Gatsby, isolation and loneliness are major themes that the author, F. Scott Fitzgerald, uses to symbolize the emptiness and isolation of the upper-class.
One of the characters who experiences isolation is Gatsby. Despite his extravagant parties and wealth, Gatsby is still lonely and isolated because he is fixated on his past relationship with Daisy. He is unable to move on and form real connections with others.
The other characters in the novel are also isolated, each in their own way. For example, Daisy’s loneliness is caused by her own selfishness and inability to truly connect with others. Tom is also isolated because he feels superior to everyone else, and his belief in his own superiority distances him from others.
- Gatsby’s isolation is symbolic of the emptiness and isolation of the upper class.
- The other characters in the novel are also isolated in their own ways.
- The theme of isolation and loneliness underscores the idea that wealth and privilege do not necessarily bring happiness and fulfillment.
Fitzgerald uses the theme of isolation and loneliness to highlight the flaws of the upper class and the emptiness that can come with extreme wealth and privilege. He suggests that true happiness is not found in material wealth, but in genuine human connections and relationships.
| Character | Symbolism of Isolation/Loneliness |
|---|---|
| Gatsby | Fixated on his past relationship with Daisy, unable to move on and form real connections with others. |
| Daisy | Lonely due to her own selfishness and inability to truly connect with others. |
| Tom | Isolated due to his belief in his own superiority, which distances him from others. |
In conclusion, the theme of isolation and loneliness serves as an important symbol in The Great Gatsby, highlighting the emptiness and flaws of the upper class. Through the experiences of its characters, the novel suggests that true fulfillment cannot be found in material wealth and privilege, but in genuine human relationships and connections.
What Does Gatsby Symbolize: FAQs
1. What does the green light symbolize in The Great Gatsby?
The green light symbolizes Gatsby’s unattainable dream of Daisy and his desire for a better future.
2. What does the Valley of Ashes represent in The Great Gatsby?
The Valley of Ashes represents the decay of the American Dream and the consequences of the pursuit of wealth and status.
3. What does Gatsby’s mansion symbolize in The Great Gatsby?
Gatsby’s mansion symbolizes his wealth and the material aspirations of the upper class, as well as the emptiness of the American Dream.
4. What do the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg symbolize in The Great Gatsby?
The eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg symbolize the loss of spiritual values in America and the moral decay of society.
5. What does the color yellow symbolize in The Great Gatsby?
The color yellow symbolizes corruption, greed, and deceit in The Great Gatsby.
6. What does the car symbolize in The Great Gatsby?
The car symbolizes the recklessness and irresponsibility of the wealthy during the 1920s, as well as the destructive power of materialism.
7. What does Gatsby himself symbolize in The Great Gatsby?
Gatsby himself symbolizes the corruption of the American Dream and the impossibility of achieving it through illegal or immoral means.
Closing Thoughts
Overall, The Great Gatsby is a masterful critique of the decay of the American Dream and the consequences of the pursuit of wealth at any cost. The symbols in the novel, such as the green light, the Valley of Ashes, and Gatsby himself, all highlight different aspects of this critique. As readers, we are encouraged to reflect on our own priorities and choices, and to consider whether we ourselves are contributing to the moral decay of society. Thank you for reading, and make sure to come back soon for more great literary analyses and discussion!