The Significance of Symbolism in the Great Gatsby
Midterm Essay—Major Paper 1: Literary Analysis
June 18, 2013
The Significance of Symbolism in The Great Gatsby
A symbol in literary work can be described as “something that represents something else by association, resemblance, or convention, especially a material object used to represent something invisible. Symbolism is used greatly through out the novel The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Many of the symbols portrayed in the novel provide great significance in the development of and the fate of its characters. Three major attributes to symbolism this novel unveils is the green light, the valley of ashes, and the eyes of Doctor T.J Eckleburg. The symbol of the green light plays an important part in the life of Jay Gatsby. The green light is situated at the end of Daisy Buchanan’s dock, and is just visible from Gatsby’s home, which happens to be directly across the bay, which separates East Egg from West Egg. This green light to Gatsby symbolizes his hopes and dreams for the future. More particularly, the green light embodies Gatsby’s ‘American Dream’. It is significant that the green light is situated at the end of Daisy’s dock for Daisy is Gatsby’s American Dream. Like many American dreams, Daisy is just out of Gatsbys’ reach. Gatsby envisions the light as guidance towards Daisy and his hopes for the future and their life together. He described as reaching out towards the light as if it is close enough to grasp, but also not close enough. Gatsby is unable to move on from the past and becomes fixated upon the ideal life together for himself and Daisy. The green light that is always shining serves as a constant reminder of what has been, and what possibly could be. It could be understood that much like the American Dream, it was impossible for Gatsby to have Daisy, it was impossible for him to reach her just as it was impossible for him to reach the green light. Another uncanny use of symbolism is recognized in the significance of
June 18, 2013
The Significance of Symbolism in The Great Gatsby
A symbol in literary work can be described as “something that represents something else by association, resemblance, or convention, especially a material object used to represent something invisible. Symbolism is used greatly through out the novel The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Many of the symbols portrayed in the novel provide great significance in the development of and the fate of its characters. Three major attributes to symbolism this novel unveils is the green light, the valley of ashes, and the eyes of Doctor T.J Eckleburg. The symbol of the green light plays an important part in the life of Jay Gatsby. The green light is situated at the end of Daisy Buchanan’s dock, and is just visible from Gatsby’s home, which happens to be directly across the bay, which separates East Egg from West Egg. This green light to Gatsby symbolizes his hopes and dreams for the future. More particularly, the green light embodies Gatsby’s ‘American Dream’. It is significant that the green light is situated at the end of Daisy’s dock for Daisy is Gatsby’s American Dream. Like many American dreams, Daisy is just out of Gatsbys’ reach. Gatsby envisions the light as guidance towards Daisy and his hopes for the future and their life together. He described as reaching out towards the light as if it is close enough to grasp, but also not close enough. Gatsby is unable to move on from the past and becomes fixated upon the ideal life together for himself and Daisy. The green light that is always shining serves as a constant reminder of what has been, and what possibly could be. It could be understood that much like the American Dream, it was impossible for Gatsby to have Daisy, it was impossible for him to reach her just as it was impossible for him to reach the green light. Another uncanny use of symbolism is recognized in the significance of