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What Does The West Egg Symbolize In The Great Gatsby

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What Does The West Egg Symbolize In The Great Gatsby
One of the symbols that Fitzgerald uses in The Great Gatsby is Gatsby himself. He symbolizes the heroism of the world. Throughout the entire novel, Gatsby acts as a heroic figure by trying to win Daisy’s love back. He is determined and will do anything to make sure that happens. The green light on the dock of Daisy’s house can have many different meanings for Gatsby. For one, it symbolizes hope. Gatsby has a lot of hope that he and Daisy will make their way back to each other. Gatsby thinks that the green light on the dock is like a spring renewal for him and Daisy. However, green can have a much darker meaning to it for Gatsby. It can show envy and jealousy. Gatsby is extremely jealous that Tom is married to Daisy. Gatsby wishes it were he …show more content…
The color green can also symbolize money for Gatsby. In chapter four of The Great Gatsby, “green rakes the recognizable form of money, or at least the things money can buy” (Kersh). Gatsby is well known for his extravagant parties and huge mansions. Gatsby is from the west egg, which symbolizes new money. The West Egg is the “less fashionable of the eggs” (Abuzahra). Gatsby’s house reflects him as a person, showing how much of a lonely person he is. He has a huge house and he only lives there. Gatsby throws huge extravagant parties but does not interact with most of the people at these parties. Gatsby only inviting Nick Carraway to these parties symbolizes Gatsby’s want for isolation. Gatsby’s yellow Rolls-Royce also symbolizes his wealth. However, “cars symbolize recklessness as evidenced by Gatsby’s recklessness” (Abuzahra). Gatsby is reckless in many different ways. First, his obsession with winning Daisy back is reckless because he dedicates a substantial portion of his time obsessing over her even though she is a married woman. Daisy symbolizes many different things. First, she symbolizes corruption. Daisy does not face consequences for her …show more content…
This proves that Daisy does not own up to her mistakes. Daisy is seen as a perfect girl and does not want to ruin that image. Daisy leaves a huge impact on Gatsby’s emotional state. Daisy makes Gatsby think that she will leave Tom when, in reality, she does not leave him. Daisy takes no responsibility for how she leaves Gatsby. When Nick first walks into the Buchanans’ home, Daisy is wearing all white. White symbolizes purity and innocence. White can also symbolize richness and cleanliness (Samkanashvili). In Gatsby’s eyes, Daisy is an angelic and perfect girl. He is willing to do anything to make her happy. However, Daisy is not pure and innocent. When Daisy plays with Gatsby’s heart, it proves that she symbolizes corruption. Fitzgerald does this to add depth and tension to Daisy’s character. Another color that symbolizes Daisy is gold. Daisy is often referred to as “the golden girl” (Samkanashvili). The color gold often symbolizes beauty and happiness. It also symbolizes old money. Old money is also found in the East Egg, where Daisy and Tom live. The East Egg symbolizes “the old aristocracy” (Abuzahra). People in East Egg are obsessed with their social status. They want to look the

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