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Symbolism In The Great Gatsby

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“You may fool me, but you can’t fool God! (Fitzgerald 159)” George Wilson said this while staring at a billboard featuring a pair of eyes that are said to be a physical representation of God in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. This quote tells us all that there are irrefutable religious themes in this novel. There are several instances of spiritual imagery that are used, however, there are many more uses of symbolism that are often looked over. Fitzgerald tried to self-insert himself into his book by modeling some of the characters after himself, while also modeling them after God. Many believe that this means that Fitzgerald wanted to play God in his writing and that he genuinely believed he was so morally upstanding that …show more content…

“For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. (1 Timothy 6:10)” This is a perfect illustration of Gatsby's position in this novel. He has lost all of his morals and ethics because he has yearned for Daisy so deeply that he piled money on top of money, and it still didn't work. The same can’t be said for the people in the Valley of Ashes, though. They have placed themselves in their own personal purgatory by failing to reach the dream they desperately clung to. Fitzgerald pointed this out by saying, “Americans, while occasionally willing to be serfs, have always been obstinate about being peasantry. (88)” Since they lost their way trying to have more money, they live in a physically, metaphorically, and morally “gray” place separate from the others. Fitzgerald doesn't only call out those desperate for money, he calls out those who already have it. He makes an evident variance between the rich and the poor, the clearest being Tom and Wilson. “Two shining, arrogant eyes had established dominance over his face and gave him the appearance of always leaning forward. (7)” This was used to describe Tom as intimidating and evil looking, which reflects in his character. Everyone else were given quite airy descriptions and don’t seem to appear as scary even though they later partake in their fair share of wrongdoing, whereas Tom was terrible from the very beginning. This could very well be a metaphor for how the Bible describes that we are all born with sin and adding that to the theory that money is the root of all evil, indicating that since he was born with money, his sin is worse than those who acquired wealth later on, since they have lived a life

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Eckleburg also represents the power of the past. Within the 36 years after article it states “ This devitalized limbo is presided over by the eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg. ”(37, Dyson) This quote is referring to the Valley of Ashes. The valley of ashes both represents the consequences of the “American Dream”and where the terrible actions of society happen.

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Imagery is a robust form of figurative language that is essential to the development of any story. In “The Great Gatsby” Imagery, including symbolism, is the figurative language used throughout the novel that incumposes the reader into certain settings that are described. Imagery uses figurative language to represent objects, actions and ideas in such a way that it appeals to the physical senses of the readers. The use of tapping into the all the scenes of the reader is what makes this type of figurative language so powerful and makes a greater connection with the reader about the world around them.

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743 Words | 3 Pages

Scott Fitzgerald and Kurt Vonnegut’s “Harrison Bergeron,” a lack of God is evident to the audience. In both works, the lack of God proved troublesome to many characters. In upper class characters, including Jay Gatsby, and Tom and Daisy Buchanan, there is no mention of religious affiliation. They are self-absorbed, excessive drinkers, and lie in order to achieve what they want. “In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the God is one who does not interfere with what people are doing on Earth.

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818 Words | 4 Pages

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In the text, The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald uses a wide range of literary techniques to convey a lack of spirituality, and immorality. Techniques such as characterisation, symbolism, and metaphors help to cement the ideas Fitzgerald explores. However, there are some features to this world that redeem it. Which are displayed through expert execution of techniques like characterisation, contrast, and repetition. The world of The Great Gatsby is home to many morally corrupt and spiritually empty characters however, the world itself is not a spiritual and moral wasteland.

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The Roaring Twenties was all about glam, money, status, and lies. Nick tells the story of how every character chases the false illusion of the American Dream. In Fitgerald’s, The Great Gatsby, he glorifies and condemns consumerism. Nick describes how the past cannot be repeated, the differences between West Egg and East Egg, and selfishness and destruction within the characters. Beneath the surface, every character is mischievous and has the desire to chase their dream.

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830 Words | 4 Pages

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