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J. Eckleburg's Use Of Symbolism In The Great Gatsby

896 Words4 Pages

In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s critically-acclaimed novel The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald employs symbolism expressed through Owl Eyes and T. J. Eckleburg’s characters in an attempt to depict God as an omniscient being who maintains a passive relationship with a self-destructive humanity. Due to the placement of T. J. Eckleburg’s advertisement over the Valley of Ashes and Owl Eyes’s continuous disposition to be in the background of events, on a symbolic level, it characterizes God as an omniscient being, forever lurking among humanity’s aspirations and achievements, or lack thereof. Not only is God resigned to peering over the citizens of Long Island, but His spiritual presence is often forgotten, resulting in His perceived acquiescent placement within …show more content…

Eckleburg’s billboard over the Valley of Ashes. While looking at the eyes of T. J. Eckleburg, Mr. Wilson says to Michaelis, “‘God knows what you’ve been doing, everything you’ve been doing. You may fool me, but you can’t fool God!’” (Fitzgerald 159). Despite all of the dishonesty and greed taking place in the vicinity of the characters, God is ultimately present in whatever endeavors you decide to pursue, whether they are beneficial or harmful intentions behind them. He is able to see through humanity’s facade and truly judge our actions. After discussing with Owl Eyes at the funeral, Nick states, “I’d never seen him since. I don’t know how he knew about the funeral, or even his name” (174). Although humanity has a general grasp of God’s abilities and His relationship to us, we are ultimately left with a sense of mystery concerning His character. Despite Nick constantly noticing Owl Eyes lurking around, he has yet to understand his background. Although no one seemed to invite Owl Eyes to Gatsby’s funeral, he somehow knew of the event and its location further emphasizing God’s omniscience. According to Fitzgerald’s use of symbolism, God reflects a higher being that expresses the ideals of transcendence and

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