Essay On Symbolism In The Great Gatsby

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There are many forms of symbolism accompanied by multiple themes in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The forms of symbolism can stand for multiple things; and the themes are referenced often throughout the book. Examples of symbols include the green light, the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg, the Valley of Ashes, colors, East and West Egg, and Gatsby’s mansion and money; and themes are included such as money, the American Dream, and unhappiness.

The first and one of the most popular symbols associated with The Great Gatsby is the green light. The green light is the light at the end of Daisy’s dock that Gatsby is often mentioned longing for. “If it wasn 't for the mist we could see your home across the bay,” said Gatsby. “You always have a green light that burns all night at the end of your dock.” (Fitzgerald 93) The first of the major things the green light symbolizes is where Daisy lives and how much Jay Gatsby loves Daisy. Gatsby’s love for Daisy is unlike any other. Gatsby would do anything for Daisy because he loved her so much. He bought her things Tom wouldn’t buy her. The green light also shines bright like Gatsby’s destiny. Gatsby’s future was sure to end eventually while chasing the …show more content…

Other than the color green, there are the colors grey, white, yellow, gold, and blue. (Spencer) As previously mentioned, green is important, as it is the color of the light at the end of Daisy’s dock. Grey is mentioned in the Valley of Ashes, because it seems lifeless. White stands for purity. Gatsby wore white when he first met Daisy again after five years; he was trying to cover up his criminal background. Women are also mentioned wearing white on multiple occasions. Yellow stands for corruptness. Gatsby’s car and Eckleburg’s glasses were yellow. Gold is among corruption and greed. Blue stands for illusions, such as the eyes of Eckleburg. The illusion is that someone great is

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