Symbolism is a crucial tool utilized in literature to represent or express qualities or ideas. In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald employs symbolism to convey deeper meanings. Within the novel, various objects and colors are employed to symbolize traits and personalities of the characters. A wide range of symbols is also utilized to portray the society of the 1920s, Gatsby’s aspirations, as well as the opulent lifestyles of the wealthy. For instance, the Valley of Ashes serves as a symbol for the society during the 1920s, which is located between West Egg and New York City.
York is portrayed as an desolate industrial wasteland filled with garbage, ashes, and soot. The Valley Of Ashes serves as a symbol for the destruction and poverty that afflicts the people. The inhabitants suffer in this desolate valley due to the actions of the wealthy, who display a lack of concern. Tom’s treatment and attitude towards George exemplifies how the wealthy disregard the poor based on their differing social and economic statuses. Furthermore, this setting conveys the moral and social deterioration, as well as the corruption prevalent in society during the 1920s. The airbag and ashes are representative of the destitution and despair experienced by those living in poverty.
The Valley of Ashes is where the poor, in the likes of Myrtle and George, reside, longing to escape but unable to do so. They strive for the American Dream but are unsuccessful, remaining trapped in their impoverished social standing. With each passing generation, the ashes accumulate higher and higher, making the achievement of the American dream even more elusive. The Valley of Ashes serves as a representation of the decay of morals and the seemingly unattainable nature of the American Dream. On the contrary, the green light situated at the end of Daisy’s dock stands as a symbol of hope and aspirations. This green light is first introduced in the initial chapter as the first emblem in the novel. “He stretched out his arms towards the dark water in a curious way, and, far as I was from him, I could have sworn he was trembling. Involuntarily I glanced seaward – and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away, that might have been the end of a dock.” (16) Gatsby is depicted as reaching out towards this green light as if he is revering it and trembling with awe. Later on, we discover that this green light represents Gatsby’s dream and ultimate objective. It symbolizes Daisy herself, as though she is the final piece required to fulfill Gatsby’s dream.
The green color acts as a symbol of a go signal, similar to a green traffic light. In the novel, the light at the end of the dock serves as a constant reminder for Gatsby to pursue Daisy. It is as if the green light is compelling Gatsby to move forward, encouraging him to increase his efforts and reach out further. Ultimately, the green light becomes the focal point in the final chapter of the book, emphasized by Nick’s closing statement reflecting Gatsby’s belief in it. Nick acknowledges that although the green light eluded them in the past, it does not matter because they will continue to strive for it tomorrow by running faster and reaching out farther.
And then, one beautiful morning, we continue to eat on, going against the current, continuously drawn back into the past. These words from Nick demonstrate how Gatsby courageously defied the norm to pursue his dreams, represented by the beacon of light. The tensions and divisions within society are depicted by East Egg and West Egg. Although both cities symbolize affluence, their residents have acquired their wealth through distinctive means. The denizens of West Egg embody the “new rich,” while those of East Egg belong to the “old rich.” West Egg portrays newfound prosperity but is scorned by the established elite residing in East Egg, symbolizing sophistication and social prestige.
The distinction between old money and new money is evident in the social scene of East and West Egg. East Egg represents a place of potential and fresh starts, while West Egg symbolizes the desired destination or ultimate achievement. This is exemplified when Gatsby reaches out to the green light in the West. The residents of West Egg epitomize humility and have a clear purpose or ambition, as they embody the American Dream. On the other hand, the inhabitants of East Egg are reckless individuals who cause significant harm without taking into account the consequences they leave in their wake.
Furthermore, West Eager’s needed to climb the social pyramid to attain wealth, while East Egger are born into affluence. While West Egg represents the individuals striving to achieve the American Dream, it has the potential to transform into East Egg, which symbolizes the American Nightmare. Through symbolism, Fitzgerald expresses the opulent yet fleeting existence of the wealthy, the bleak realities faced by the impoverished, and the challenges endured by those caught in between. In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald employs various symbols to depict the pursuit of the American Dream. In summary, diverse symbols are utilized to convey Gatsby’s aspirations, the social class of the less privileged, and the extravagant lifestyles of the wealthy.
