Style and Technique: Symbolism

Introduction

Symbolism plays a crucial role in both advancing the narrative and underlining key themes within The Great Gatsby.
F. Scott Fitzgerald employs various symbolic elements, objects, and colours to create stark contrasts between wealth, corruption, and the pursuit of the American Dream in 1920s America.

T.J. Eckleburg’s Eyes

Doctor T.J. Eckleburg’s eyes, depicted on a neglected billboard in the “valley of ashes,” serve as a symbol of divine oversight or judgment.
This symbol underlines the moral decay, dishonesty, and recklessness of the main characters, unnoticed or disregarded by the society they inhabit.

The Green Light

Located at the end of Daisy’s dock, the green light symbolises Gatsby’s dreams and aspirations, especially his desire for Daisy.
It echoes the broader theme of the unattainable American Dream, highlighting the infinite pursuit of happiness that often ends in disappointment or moral compromise.

Colours

Fitzgerald uses colour imagery extensively, assigning symbolic meanings to different shades.
The colour green, as represented by the green light, exemplifies hope, renewal, and promise, while its elusive nature echoes the unattainability of the American Dream.
The colour white, often associated with Daisy, initially suggests purity and innocence. However, as the novel progresses, it paradoxically underscores hypocrisy and moral corruption.
The colour yellow is linked with wealth and sophistication but also signifies death, decay, and the hollowness of the American Dream.

Valley of Ashes

The Valley of Ashes represents the destructive impact of the pursuit of wealth, epitomizing the moral decay and social disparities concealed by the glamour of the Jazz Age.
It stands as a stark contrast to the luxurious world of East and West Egg, underscoring the disparities between different social classes.

Gatsby’s Mansion and Parties

Gatsby’s large and extravagant mansion, just like his lavish parties, symbolises his wealth and represents the outward show of success.
Simultaneously, these symbols underline the hollowness and superficiality of the American Dream, emphasizing that material possessions and superficial relationships cannot ensure true happiness or fulfilment.

Summary

In essence, Fitzgerald’s use of symbolism in The Great Gatsby enhances the depth of the narrative, providing readers with a richer understanding of the characters, their motivations, and their society. The recurring symbols illuminate critical aspects of the American Dream, social stratification, and moral decay in 1920s America. They bring to the fore the dichotomy between appearance and reality, reinforcing the underlying critique of the era’s ethos and values.