Dr. T. J. Eckleburg Symbolize In The Great Gatsby

In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald uses visual imagery and descriptive dictation of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg's eyes to symbolize god looking down on society’s norms. This, in turn, relates to Gatsby. Gatsby usually tends to host luxurious parties, but not participate in them. Instead, he sits silently, watching his guests. Therefore, Fitzgerald’s use of imagery helps describe Gatsby as a god, looking over his parties similar to the eyes of T.J. Eckleburg looking over society’s norms.

Firstly, the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg symbolize god’s eyes looking down over society’s norms. In the beginning of chapter 2, Scott Fitzgerald describes the eyes in the Valley of Ashes. Fitzgerald describes the eyes as “blue and gigantic” (23). He also describes

Notably, Gatsby’s house is described specifically with luxurious items, such as cocktails, gardens and bars. Ultimately, his parties are generally described with “faces and voices and color under the constantly changing light”(41). Gatsby is clearly shown as a wealthy, prominent person, living and hosting dozens of parties. Gatsby is shown as more of a powerful figure compared to the other residents of West Egg. He is single handedly known to be one of the wealthiest among the West Egg. Although, While Nick and Jordan were in Gatsby’s luxurious mansion, Nick noticed something quite strange. He stated while music was playing, members of the party “swooned backward playfully”(50) into their husband’s arms. He noticed that no one “swooned backward on Gatsby”(50). Gatsby does not participate in his own parties. Except, he remains silent, watching over everything play out. This is ironic because a wealthy man like Gatsby would be considered as a “lively” host, but instead, sits and blends with the members of the party. Ultimately, Gatsby tends to sit silent and watch over the party, similar to the Eyes of T.J. Eckleburg looking over the valley of ashes. Thus, Gatsby symbolizes god looking down over society’s norms, Gatsby could be referred as “the god of wealth”.

All things considered, Scott Fitzgerald’s use of imagery and vocabulary in The Great Gatsby helps give the eyes of T.J. Eckleburg a symbolic meaning of god looking down on society’s norms. This, in fact relates to Gatsby. Gatsby is a wealthy man, hosting many parties, but tend to sit silently and watch his guests. This relates to the eyes of T.J. Eckleberg. Both the eyes and Gatsby look over their “creations”, watching everything play out carefully. In conclusion, Fitzgerald’s writing style helps give the eyes and Gatsby a