What Does George Wilson Symbolize In The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald tells the story of Jay Gatsby’s life through Nick Carraway’s point of view. Fitzgerald uses symbolism to create the theme of the failed American Dream. Character symbols, location symbols, and object symbols help to create the theme of the failed American Dream. The use of character symbols creates the theme of the failed American Dream. The female characters contribute to theme of the failed American Dream. Daisy Buchanan is the object of Jay Gatsby’s obsession. Gatsby’s love for Daisy begins when the two meet in Louisville (148-50; ch. 8). Richard Lehan says Daisy is a symbol of love where past promises are broken (112; American). Gatsby tries to obtain Daisy. Daisy is part of Gatsby’s idea of the

George Wilson symbolizes the death of Gatsby’s dream. A.E. Dyson says Wilson is the “terrible embodiment of realities” that destroy Gatsby’s dream (122). George Wilson’s ending of Gatsby’s life ends Gatsby’s dream as well (161-62; ch. 8). Gatsby is a symbol of the past. Gatsby continuously tries to recreate the past. He especially attempts to recreate his relationship with Daisy. Bewley points out that Gatsby is a prisoner of the present (22). Gatsby truly believes he can recreate the past (110; ch. 6). Therefore,Wilson and Gatsby as symbols help to create the theme. Symbols of Wilson and Gatsby help create the theme. The symbolism of the male characters helps to create the theme of the failed American

Luxury objects help to establish the theme of the failed American Dream. James E. Miller points out that Gatsby’s car is the cause of Gatsby’s death (119). While Daisy drives Gatsby’s car, she runs over and kills Myrtle Wilson (143; ch. 7). George Wilson finds out the car belongs to Gatsby (178; ch. 9). Wilson goes to Gatsby’s house, and he shoots and kills Gatsby (162; ch. 8). Gatsby’s death, indirectly caused by his car, contributes to the theme. Another example of luxurious objects is Gatsby’s clothing. Lehan says that Gatsby lacks “taste” because of his “silver suits, golden ties, and pin-striped shirts” (111; American). When Gatsby meets Daisy at Nick’s house, he wears a “white flannel suit, silver shirt, and gold-colored tie” (84; ch.5). Gatsby chooses to wear these specific clothing items because he believes the clothing represents his wealth. Because Gatsby’s clothes symbolize wealth, the clothes help to create the theme of the failed American Dream. Thus, the symbolism of luxurious objects help to create the theme of the failed American