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Corruption In The Great Gatsby

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The Great Gatsby is an iconic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, an American novelist. The novel consists of a man of overwhelming wealth who comes from ‘new money’. The story itself contains the underlying themes of corruption and wealth, showing how society strives to paint a perfect picture of itself, only to see that it won’t matter after the mass destruction it left behind. This theme can be shown when Fitzgerald mentions an area called the Valley of Ashes in chapter two. The Valley of Ashes is not only a grand representation of the societal corruption of the American dream, but it also shows the negativity of materialism and moral judgment. The Valley of Ashes symbolizes the decay of the American Dream and societal corruption. Makes differential …show more content…

“The valley of ashes is bounded on one side by a small foul river, and, when the drawbridge is up to let barges through, the passengers on waiting trains can stare at the dismal scene for as long as half an hour” (Fitzgerald 24) The Valley of Ashes criticizes the degenerative action of the pursuit of wealth and materialism. Highlights the degradation of the human spirit Dramatizes the loss of purity and innocence in the pursuit of material gain Shows the consequences of how the pursuit of material wealth can go unchecked. “This is a valley of ashes--a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens.” (Fitzgerald 23) The billboard of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg’s eyes symbolizes religion and moral judgment. Implies the importance of religion and morals in a materialistic society. Highlights the characters’ indifferences to morality. Symbolizes ‘divine judgment’ and moral criticism. “...The billboard's eyes are a watchful God. Wilson doesn't go to church, and thus doesn't have access to the moral instruction that will help him control his darker impulses. Still, it seems that Wilson wants God, or at least a God-like influence, in his life—based on him trying to convert the watching eyes of the billboard into a God…”

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The author introduces the desolate land known as the valley of ashes, which is far from the lavish lives lived in the Eggs’. When introducing this dark and eerie slice of land, Fitzgerald incorporates imagery in helping develop his theme relating to the Roaring 20’s and the American Dream. Nick begins to explain the valley of ashes in discrete detail. “This is the valley of ashes--- a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens; where ashes take the forms of houses…” ( 23). In this excerpt from the text, not only does Fitzgerald use many forms of imagery, but he incorporates diction that helps develop his theme as well as a simile.

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1261 Words | 6 Pages

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