Eyes Of Eckleburg
Jonathan Leutwyler
Dr. Wolfgang Holtkamp
Introduction to Literature
2 January 2015
The Meaning of the Billboard Eyes of T.J. Eckleburg
There are many symbolic themes in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby; the names of people and places, attributes of characters or the green light at the end of the docks. One of the recurring and arguably most meaningful symbols of the story, however, are the eyes of the long since departed oculist T.J. Their various references and meanings as a symbol in the novel shall be discussed in this following text.
The aforementioned eyes appear on a billboard, advertising an oculist and overlooking the Valley of Ashes. They are introduced to the reader during Nick’s first journey to the Valley. Already in this initial mention, the eyes are given human characteristics and life: “But his eyes … brood on over the solemn dumping ground” (??, ch. 2). Already here it is made clear that the eyes are more than a simple commercial. They are given further life in a later instance as the eyes keep “their vigil” (??, ch. 7) as Jordan, Nick and Tom are at George Wilson’s garage for gasoline and are watched by Myrtle. Finally they are brought to life and given a mystical aspect as “the eyes … emerged … from the dissolving night” (??, ch. 8). These descriptions draw a picture of ever watchful, contemplating and giant, ominous eyes watching over the people, reminiscent of the eyes of God. This theory is reinforced when Wilson recollects talking to Myrtle and states “God sees everything” (??, ch. 8) whilst looking at the billboard. Relating to this theory is also the fact, that the eyes are primarily mentioned when the protagonists are involved in immoral behaviour. This is shown when Nick and Tom “walked … under Doctor Eckleburg’s persistent stare” (??, ch. 2), on the way to meet Tom’s mistress. It seems Tom knows that he is being watched and condemned for his actions as he “[exchanges] a frown with Doctor Eckleburg” (??, ch. 2). The eyes are
Dr. Wolfgang Holtkamp
Introduction to Literature
2 January 2015
The Meaning of the Billboard Eyes of T.J. Eckleburg
There are many symbolic themes in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby; the names of people and places, attributes of characters or the green light at the end of the docks. One of the recurring and arguably most meaningful symbols of the story, however, are the eyes of the long since departed oculist T.J. Their various references and meanings as a symbol in the novel shall be discussed in this following text.
The aforementioned eyes appear on a billboard, advertising an oculist and overlooking the Valley of Ashes. They are introduced to the reader during Nick’s first journey to the Valley. Already in this initial mention, the eyes are given human characteristics and life: “But his eyes … brood on over the solemn dumping ground” (??, ch. 2). Already here it is made clear that the eyes are more than a simple commercial. They are given further life in a later instance as the eyes keep “their vigil” (??, ch. 7) as Jordan, Nick and Tom are at George Wilson’s garage for gasoline and are watched by Myrtle. Finally they are brought to life and given a mystical aspect as “the eyes … emerged … from the dissolving night” (??, ch. 8). These descriptions draw a picture of ever watchful, contemplating and giant, ominous eyes watching over the people, reminiscent of the eyes of God. This theory is reinforced when Wilson recollects talking to Myrtle and states “God sees everything” (??, ch. 8) whilst looking at the billboard. Relating to this theory is also the fact, that the eyes are primarily mentioned when the protagonists are involved in immoral behaviour. This is shown when Nick and Tom “walked … under Doctor Eckleburg’s persistent stare” (??, ch. 2), on the way to meet Tom’s mistress. It seems Tom knows that he is being watched and condemned for his actions as he “[exchanges] a frown with Doctor Eckleburg” (??, ch. 2). The eyes are
Cited: 1. F. Scott Fitzgerald – The Great Gatsby