What Does The Mansion Symbolize In The Great Gatsby

Symbolism is used by authors to imply a deeper meaning to the reader without directly stating it. In the novel, The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald uses symbolism to portray the wealthiness and harshness of the 1920s. Gatsby’s mansion acts as a symbol that gives emphasis on the time period and the superiority of the rich. Living in such a time period allowed for those with money, such as Jay Gatsby and the Buchanan’s, to prosper and live luxurious lives. Through the eyes of the characters, Gatsby’s mansion was seen as a place of wonder and enjoyment that held satisfying parties every weekend. The house is able to represent Gatsby’s dream that he will be able to recreate his past with Daisy. Fitzgerald allows the reader to let the mansion

The house is a constant reminder to Gatsby that he is alone and will never be able to have Daisy. The 1920s was a time period of emptiness, where no one seemed to care for others. People were selfish and careless, shown by the many acts of cheating and infidelity. Jordan Baker was a character that cheated in golf in order to become victorious. Tom cheated on Daisy because he felt that he had the power to do so, while Myrtle cheated on George Wilson to fill her empty and poor life. This characters were destructive towards each other and represented a sense of carelessness. The reckless and drunk driving displayed the selfishness incorporated throughout the story. The symbol of the mansion embodies the feeling of emptiness. It is a huge house for just one person, but otherwise completely empty. Gatsby seems to justify the emptiness by filling it with random people for his weekly parties, just in hopes that they would attract Daisy. The fact that people would use him for his parties and no one came to his funeral justifies the emptiness of the time period and the selfishness of the people. At the end of the book after Gatsby had died, Nick goes into the mansion and remarks how truly empty it is. Gatsby’s mansion is a crucial symbol that reflects the feeling of emptiness and the greediness of the characters during that time