Tom Buchanan Symbolism In The Great Gatsby

Fitzgerald uses the haunting gaze of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg as a symbol of moral judgment and the moral decay of the characters. A clear example of this is when the knowledge of Myrtle's infidelity with an unknown person torments Mr Wilson, when Nick notices this, Fitzgerald describes the eyes as having a “peculiar intensity” and seems to implore Nick to disclose the truth. This causes the reader to feel sympathy for the clear agony Mr Wilson is experiencing and frustration toward the narrator as he continues to hold his silence even when urged to. Fitzgerald repeatedly shows Tom Buchanan to be unfaithful to his wife, Daisy, so when Nick and Tom leave Mr Wilson’s garage after contacting Myrtle, Fitzgerald has Tom “exchange a frown” with the eyes

The author's use of symbolism highlights the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg and serves as a powerful critique of the moral emptiness within Tom’s character. It leaves the reader with a sense of disappointment and sadness in the society to which Tom belongs. Fitzgerald uses minor characters to contribute to the reader's understanding of the protagonist's experience and the identity of Gatsby. For example, Fitzgerald has minor characters spread rumours about Gatsby, increasing the mystery of his identity. At the beginning of the novel, Myrtle's sister, Catherine, says that Gatsby is rumoured to be a “nephew or cousin to Kaiser Wilhelm” and Lucille and her friend spread a rumour that Gatsby has “killed a man” or was a “German spy during the war”. Through the web of secrets and lies, the reader feels intrigued by being unable to form a concrete identity for Gatsby. This heightens the mystery surrounding Gatsby’s identity, as the reader questions his true origins. Fitzgerald unveils the mystery of Gatsby’s identity through the lens of a reporter looking into Dan Cody, a past mentor and best friend of

The reason for Gatsby's desire for money becomes apparent, as his life experiences are revealed. The reader is increasingly drawn into Gatsby’s life as the reader reflects on and relates to his passions. The reader wonders how much of Gatsby is genuine and if his persona is entirely fabricated, because the author has Cody meet Gatsby when he discards his old name and identity, leading the reader to feel that Gatsby’s identity is an invention to escape his past. Fitzgerald uses minor characters such as Catherine and Lucille to allow the reader to form a deeper understanding of Gatsby’s identity without being influenced by the perceptions of those caught up in the glamorous rumours. The unveiling of Gatsby’s life and character reveals a person who is extremely ambitious, and who will do anything to achieve his desires. In the narrative point of view used by Fitzgerald, Nick, the narrator serves as a surrogate for the reader to explore the issues relating to the character's relationships. As the narrator reacts to the characters, the reader is guided through new information and