The Great Gatsby Symbolism Analysis

The Great Gatsby is a staple novel in American literature. Written by F. Scott Fitzgerald in 1925, the novel capitalizes on the cliché American dream of the time, exposing the truths and dangers that hide behind immense wealth and social stature. Fitzgerald uses various forms of symbolism throughout his book, adding a multitude of deep meanings to every chapter. One of these said symbols used in The Great Gatsby is Fitzgerald’s use of flowers to convey meaning and hidden truths about his characters. Fitzgerald’s practice of symbolism through flowers provides an important theme for defining concepts throughout The Great Gatsby and giving the reader more details upon the mood and personalities of the novel’s characters.
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Starting with physical features, Daisy is often described using the word “bright” as an allusion to the bright white flower with a yellow center. In chapter one, Nick describes Daisy as having a sad face with “bright things in it, bright eyes and a bright passionate mouth”(pg. 9). Daisy’s bright complexion is only rivaled by that of her cheerful personality. Throughout history, daisies have been a symbol of innocence and purity. Daisy herself resembles this innocence in her ignorance about conflict. She has never had to struggle, never worked a day in her life. When Nick invites Daisy over to his house to meet Gatsby, Daisy’s first question is “Are you in love with me?”(pg. 85) This question seems instinctual to her as she has always been pretty and used to getting male attention; she finds it predictable, even common place, to assume that Nick is in love with her. Daisies also symbolize loyal love. Although Daisy herself may not be the best candidate for this trait, Gatsby definitely is. When describing the story of his and Daisy’s first kiss, Gatsby says that he knew that when he kissed her he would “forever wed his unutterable visions to her perishable breath, his mind would never romp again like the mind of God”(pg. 110). Yet Gatsby still chooses to kiss her and forever wed

Roses are generally used in reference to the Buchanan’s. In a literal sense, Tom’s garden is filled to the brim with roses. Nick describes the sight as “a half-acre of deep, pungent roses”(pg. 7). Provided that roses often symbolize unconscious beauty, this sight creates brilliant description of the essence of Tom’s home. Nick comments on the fact that one does not need to ask Tom if he is rich, they simply know by his house, it radiates beauty and wealth. Tom does not need to throw extravagant parties like Gatsby to make people aware of his financial status, his house speaks for him. The windows in Tom’s house glow “with reflected gold”(pg. 6) and Nick describes Tom’s living room as being a “bright rosy-colored space”(pg. 8). Furthermore, roses are referenced in much of the dialogue throughout the book, symbolizing enduring love and confidentiality. The first night that Nick has dinner at the Buchanan’s, Daisy tells Nick that he reminds her “of a rose, an absolute rose”(pg. 14). Nick goes on to refute these claims, but they make sense in the fact that Nick holds many of the plot’s most confidential secrets such as; Tom’s mistress, Gatsby and Daisy’s affair, and the truth behind Myrtle’s death. On another point, later on in the story, Gatsby describes how, after he left for the war, Daisy is surrounded by fresh, young men who “drifted here and there like rose petals”(pg. 151), signalizing