Jacqueline Le McLoskey IB English HL 1 14 November 2017 Symbolism in the Great Gatsby: In-class Essay What is a symbol? A symbol is an object or figure that represents a broader concept, like how the color red symbolizes anger or love. In the novel The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald writes about Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire, from the limited perspective of Nick Carraway.
Symbols in books and novels can help add support to a book or display more insight into the stories being told. Symbols can be placed by authors to further a plot, or in most cases, to develop a theme. The novel The Great Gatsby, which was written by the author F. Scott Fitzgerald, contains many themes that can be supported by the usage of symbols. One theme that stands out the most for being aided by symbols is the theme of love. Love is portrayed multiple different ways in the novel and it can always be supported by symbolism in some way.
The Great Gatsby written by Scott F. Fitzgerald uses symbols and symbolism to connect different parts of the book to get across a greater meaning to the reader. The use of symbols is to represent and idea or a set of ideas through an object, event, or person. The use of symbols can be found everywhere such as in schools and businesses. But, in the book Scott F. Fitzgerald uses the symbol of the eyes of Dr. T.J Eckleburg to express his ideas. The use of symbolism is widely used in schools and is a big part of the high school experience.
The Significance of Symbols in the Great Gatsby In holding with the ideal of the American Dream, almost every child grows up with his or her parents wanting him or her to be better than they are and they long for their child to achieve and have more. In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jay Gatsby wants better for himself. In this novel Gatsby longs to rekindle his relationship with Daisy Buchanan. Colors are used in the novel to represent some form of the American dream and show how corruption leads to destruction.
In the Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald there is a development of emotion and symbols than can be found through the reading at the end of the each chapter. Within the last sentences of each chapter there is a symbol or message that can be found. Some of the messages can represent what is coming or as happened. In the first chapter we can find the words “darkness” (21) and final word of the book “past” (180). Some simple word are used to express some themes like facial expressions, honesty and balance.
In American Literature, symbolism is used to portray the author's ideas in an indirect, poetic way. Fitzgerald is described as “simultaneously a painter who makes his writing very visual and bright,”(Samkanashvili). The Great Gatsby is just one of the many blank canvases he brought to life with his use of symbolic figures. Fitzgerald’s use of symbols throughout each setting provides a deeper understanding of the overall plot and characters. The first setting in the novel is West Egg.
Exotic, fascinating, and addicting are just some of many colorful words that could describe Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. This enticing novel has an exceptionally gripping plot and alluring characters. This is due to the language in the novel, however to me one of the most interesting aspects of this story has to be its use of symbols. From the the valley of ashes to the west and east egg, symbols show up everywhere and they are what strike my interest in the novel while also adding depth and charm to it as well.
Throughout the history of literature, it is known that the greatest works tell more than just a story. Most of those great works of literature have symbolism. Through symbolism, the reader can understand better and enjoy the book more. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book The Great Gatsby there are various scenes that include symbols. Two major things that are understood through the symbols in the novel are hope and the similarities with Christianity.
The last few pages of the novel focus on Nick’s view of Gatsby’s life and the way that his dream with Daisy has ultimately failed. It’s a powerful and emotional moment that uses symbolism and imagery. It reminds us of the fragility of life and the importance of pursuing dreams when they seem impossible. Nick’s attitude in this passage shows pity and admiration toward Gatsby. “Gatsby’s house was still empty when I left– the grass on his lawn had grown as long as mine”(179).
This research paper analyzes some specific usage of symbolism in the fiction, describes how they function to promote the development of whole content, and illustrates how they sharpen what Francis wants to express through out the story. In the first place, the context of “The Great Gatsby” refers to the location and culture of
A symbol in a novel is a concrete object that represents an idea or a set of ideas. Choose 3 symbols in the book and explain what they mean and how they function together to support a central theme. The Great Gatsby novel has various numbers of symbols that are descried and each symbolise very different things. Three symbols that this essay is going to further investigate are the green light, Gatsby’s gold and silver suit and the Valley of Ashes.
The Significance of Symbols in The Great Gatsby Young children often dream of the most extraordinary things. They are so passionate about their ideas, it seems as if nothing can pull them away from it. Their little hearts are set on their dreams, set in their ways. As children grow and come to understand the world around them, society often diminishes those dreams; however, those who do not let their dreams slip through the cracks, and hold onto their ideas from the past, can lose sight of what is right. Oftentimes, people will compromise their morals in order to fulfill their deepest hopes and desires.
Throughout many brilliant works of literature, a common item is placed amongst them: symbols. Symbols are often a key to further understanding a point the author is trying to convey to their readers. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, The Great Gatsby, he utilizes the literary tool of symbols to illustrate a larger picture for his themes and characters within the novel. For example, the color green plays a prominent role in The Great Gatsby throughout the duration of the novel. However, the color has can have various interpretations.
Fitzgerald’s use of symbolism in Gatsby The novel of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is infused with symbolism. The symbolic meanings in the novel are fluid to a certain point; Because, they mean different things to different readers, as well as the characters in the case of this novel. Fitzgerald’s use of symbols such as: the eyes of T.J Eckleburg, the Green Light, and the Valley of Ashes is prevalent throughout the novel. The eyes of T.J Eckleburg represent different things to different characters, such as God, the haunting past, and vigil.
In the story by F. Scott Fitzgerald The Great Gatsby symbolism is shown all throughout the story with Gatsby as he was in the war shows how he goes insane at times with other people. Another symbol used in the book is how the author uses “east and west eggs” to show two different villages where gatsby and daisy live. The most important symbol of the story was the green light at the end of daisy’s dock not only can symbolize the money that gatsby gained for Daisy but also shows Gatsby’s dream to change what happened, it gives Gatsby something to hope for. All in all Symbolism is shown all throughout the story with all the main characters but Gatsby stood out the most in the story; even being insane.
