What Does Wilson Symbolize In The Great Gatsby

When people see the color black they often think of death, or when they see a rose they are reminded of love. These are a couple instances of symbolism that appear in the real world. In the novel the Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald uses objects and characters to symbolize the presence of God. Fitzgerald's first piece of symbolism is a billboard sign of "...the eyes of Dr T. J. Eckleburg."(23) that overlook the city of New York. The city where Tom and Myrtle's love affair takes place. Believing they were clever in their affair, Tom and Myrtle always met downtown, away from their spouses. Unbeknownst to the sneaky couple, they were being watched. "God sees everything"(160). Wilson says this while looking at the billboard's eyes, as if they could be God's. Immense and towering, they are placed to be looking over the city, representing God's watchful eye. Fitzgerald's second example of

Throughout the story there are many things people try to keep secret, Tom's affair with Myrtle, Daisy's affair with Gatsby, Gatsby's past. All of these things are revealed in the end or even noticed beforehand. Wilson knows something is going on with his wife, and Daisy always knew her husband was cheating. Fighting over Daisy, Gatsby explains his love for her and, Tom reveals Gatsby's hidden past. The use of God's presence within the story helps bring the reader's attention to all the things that people are trying to hide, even though they are always noticed. F. Scott Fitzgerald's symbolism of God in the Great Gatsby strongly contributes to the theme of nothing goes unnoticed. The billboard overlooking New York and the all knowing owl-eyed man, help the reader realize things are always seen, even if people try to hide them. Everyday symbolism is used in the real world. People see a cross and are reminded of a religion or a hospital. Little but meaningful, these examples of symbolism exist