The Use Of Symbolism In The Great Gatsby

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A Deeper Meaning Symbolism adds meaning and requires readers to think deeper about the story. It gives objects more than just their physical meaning. The Great Gatsby utilizes the use of symbolism extremely well. Without this use of symbolism, the story would have no meaning at all. The symbols are what help move this story. Symbols in The Great Gatsby such as the eyes of Doctor, T.J. Eckleburg, the green light, the Valley of Ashes, Gatsby’s Mansion, and Owl Eyes all play important roles in the novel. The billboard of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg symbolizes God watching over everyone. The characters in the novel feel this way, because they believe that the eyes on the billboard are always watching them the same way God watches over everyone. When Gatsby throws huge, extravagant parties nearly everyday all because he hopes that Daisy will attend one of them. The mansion symbolizes hope that he will get Daisy back, just as the green light does. Gatsby uses the mansion to draw Daisy closer to him and he hopes that one day she will find him. “It is the emblem of a successful businessman and the symbol of what he hopes to recover in Daisy and her love.” The American Dream means to be successful by doing what makes one happy. Being successful however does not always mean being rich. Gatsby’s American Dream is to be happy with Daisy. Since he does not have her, Gatsby uses his material items as a substitute American Dream until he gets Daisy back. “The mansion is also a representation of a shortsighted American Dream: that material success, in and of itself, will bring one status and happiness.” Gatsby buys expensive things, hoping to find comfort and happiness in them to fill the void where Daisy is Another time this adjective is used is when describing Doctor T.J. Eckleburg’s eyes of the billboard. This could be a contrast between Owl Eyes or Doctor Eckleburg or good and evil, because some say that the valley of ashes is a symbolic hell. This would not only ensure that the Eckleburg billboard is representing a false god, but also that Owl eyes himself is also a symbol of godly wisdom and kindness. Owls symbolize wisdom. Owl Eyes was full of wisdom. In the book, Owl Eyes states that he was brought to Gatsby’s party by a woman named Roosevelt. This statement could mean that Owl Eyes is somehow associated with Theodore Roosevelt. He started many national parks and favored conservation, actions which summon up greenness and growth in direct contrast to Doctor Eckleburg and the Valley of Ashes. This does not mean that Owl Eyes was Roosevelt. It just means that the men had similar

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