The Role of Symbolism in 'The Great Gatsby'

article by G.ARAVINTHAN M.A., B.ED.,

Introduction

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, published in 1925, is often hailed as one of the greatest American novels, offering a penetrating critique of the American Dream and the excesses of the Roaring Twenties. Set against the backdrop of post-World War I prosperity, the novel explores themes of wealth, love, and moral decay through the lens of its enigmatic protagonist, Jay Gatsby. Fitzgerald masterfully uses symbolism throughout the narrative to deepen these themes and provide insight into the characters’ motivations and the societal values of the time. This article delves into the rich tapestry of symbols in The Great Gatsby, revealing how they contribute to the novel’s enduring significance.

The Green Light

One of the most iconic symbols in The Great Gatsby is the green light at the end of Daisy Buchanan’s dock. For Gatsby, this light represents his hopes and dreams, particularly his desire to rekindle his past romance with Daisy. The green light is situated across the bay from Gatsby’s mansion, symbolizing both proximity and distance—Gatsby can see it, but it remains out of reach, much like his dream.

The green color itself carries multiple connotations. Traditionally associated with growth and renewal, it reflects Gatsby’s hope and ambition. However, it also signifies envy and the materialistic aspects of his dream. As Nick Carraway, the novel’s narrator, observes, Gatsby believed in the "orgastic future that year by year recedes before us." This unattainable future mirrors the elusive nature of the American Dream, suggesting that no matter how much one achieves, the ultimate goal remains just out of reach.

The Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg

Another powerful symbol in the novel is the billboard featuring the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg, located in the desolate area known as the Valley of Ashes. These bespectacled eyes gaze out over the wasteland, detached and unblinking, serving as a haunting presence in the narrative.

The eyes are often interpreted as a symbol of a god-like figure, watching over the moral decay of society. However, unlike a benevolent deity, these eyes are indifferent and lifeless, reflecting the absence of true spiritual guidance in the characters’ lives. George Wilson, devastated by his wife Myrtle’s infidelity and subsequent death, refers to the eyes as the eyes of God, highlighting his desperation for justice and meaning in a corrupt world.

The Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg underscore the theme of moral and spiritual decay, emphasizing the emptiness of the characters’ pursuits and the hollowness of the American Dream when divorced from ethical values.

The Valley of Ashes

The Valley of Ashes is a stark contrast to the opulence of West Egg and East Egg, representing the bleak consequences of industrialization and unchecked ambition. This desolate wasteland, situated between the wealthy suburbs and the bustling city of New York, is where the working class toils, symbolizing the social and moral decay hidden beneath the glittering surface of wealth.

The Valley of Ashes serves as a physical manifestation of the novel’s critique of the American Dream. While characters like Gatsby and Tom Buchanan indulge in luxury, the inhabitants of the Valley, such as George and Myrtle Wilson, struggle to survive. The ash-covered landscape symbolizes the byproducts of capitalism—both literal industrial waste and the metaphorical residue of broken dreams and moral degradation.

Colors and Their Symbolism

Fitzgerald’s use of color symbolism is pervasive throughout The Great Gatsby, enriching the narrative and providing deeper layers of meaning.

• Green: As previously mentioned, green symbolizes Gatsby’s hopes and the allure of the American Dream. It also represents wealth and the desire for upward mobility.
  
  

• Yellow/Gold: These colors are associated with wealth and materialism but also with corruption and decay. Gatsby’s lavish parties often feature yellow and gold decorations, symbolizing the superficial glitter of his lifestyle. The "yellow car" that kills Myrtle Wilson further connects wealth with recklessness and destruction.
  
  

• White: Often associated with purity and innocence, white in the novel is used ironically. Daisy, often depicted in white, appears pure and angelic, but her actions reveal selfishness and moral ambiguity.
  
  

• Blue: This color represents illusion and fantasy. Gatsby’s blue gardens and his blue suit underscore his detachment from reality and his creation of an idealized version of his life and love.
  
  

Gatsby’s Mansion

Gatsby’s opulent mansion is another significant symbol in the novel. It represents his immense wealth and his desire to impress Daisy, whom he believes will be won over by his material success. The mansion’s grandeur, with its lavish parties and extravagant decor, symbolizes the excesses of the Jazz Age.

However, the mansion also embodies the emptiness of Gatsby’s pursuits. Despite its splendor, the house feels hollow and impersonal, reflecting the lack of genuine human connection in Gatsby’s life. After Gatsby’s death, the mansion becomes even more desolate, symbolizing the futility of his dreams and the transient nature of wealth.

The Role of Cars and Automobiles

Automobiles in The Great Gatsby symbolize status, freedom, and recklessness. Gatsby’s luxurious car, described as a "circus wagon," is a testament to his wealth and desire to stand out. However, cars in the novel are also instruments of carelessness and destruction.

The most significant event involving a car is Myrtle Wilson’s death. She is struck by Gatsby’s car, driven by Daisy, in a tragic accident that underscores the recklessness of the wealthy characters and their disregard for the lives of others. This incident symbolizes the moral decay of society and the destructive consequences of the characters’ selfish pursuits.

Time and the Past

Gatsby’s obsession with the past is a central theme in the novel, and Fitzgerald uses various symbols to illustrate the futility of trying to recapture it. One notable symbol is the clock that Gatsby nearly knocks over during his reunion with Daisy. This moment symbolizes his desire to stop time and relive the past, as well as the fragility of his dream.

Gatsby’s belief that he can recreate the past reflects the broader theme of the American Dream—the idea that one can achieve anything through determination and effort. However, the novel suggests that the past is irretrievable and that clinging to it leads to disillusionment and tragedy.

Weather and Seasonal Symbolism

Fitzgerald uses weather and seasonal changes to reflect the emotional tone and progression of the narrative. The oppressive heat during the confrontation between Gatsby and Tom at the Plaza Hotel heightens the tension and symbolizes the boiling point of their conflict.

Summer, often associated with vitality and growth, in the novel represents the peak of Gatsby’s dream but also foreshadows its inevitable decline. The end of summer and the arrival of autumn symbolize the fading of Gatsby’s hopes and the approach of his tragic end.

Conclusion

Through the masterful use of symbolism, F. Scott Fitzgerald enriches The Great Gatsby with layers of meaning that explore the complexities of the American Dream, the allure and corruption of wealth, and the moral decay of society. Symbols like the green light, the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg, and the Valley of Ashes provide profound insights into the characters’ motivations and the societal context of the 1920s. Fitzgerald’s symbolic storytelling not only deepens the reader’s understanding of the novel’s themes but also cements The Great Gatsby as a timeless exploration of ambition, love, and the human condition.

Apollo Indiana,  Vol.1(6) Feb 5, 2025, pp 3