Symbolism in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby”
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece, “The Great Gatsby,” is a novel rich in symbolism that offers a scathing critique of the American Dream in the 1920s. This essay explores how Fitzgerald employs various symbols to underscore the themes of wealth, aspiration, and moral decay in the novel, focusing particularly on the green light, the valley of ashes, and the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg.
Perhaps the most iconic symbol in “The Great Gatsby” is the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock. Fitzgerald introduces this image early in the novel, describing Gatsby’s longing gaze across the water towards the light. The green light represents Gatsby’s hopes and dreams for the future, particularly his desire to reunite with Daisy. Its color evokes notions of growth, renewal, and the promise of a fresh start. However, the light’s distance and elusiveness also symbolize the unattainability of Gatsby’s goals. As Nick observes, “Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us.” This poignant description encapsulates the novel’s central theme: the futility of trying to recapture the past and the illusory nature of the American Dream.
In stark contrast to the hopeful green light stands the valley of ashes, a desolate wasteland that symbolizes the moral and social decay beneath the glittering surface of the Roaring Twenties. Fitzgerald describes this area as “a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens.” This vivid imagery paints a picture of a barren, lifeless landscape, representing the spiritual and moral emptiness of the society the novel critiques. The valley of ashes serves as a powerful reminder of the stark inequalities that existed during this era of apparent prosperity and the human cost of unchecked materialism.
Overlooking this bleak landscape are the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, perhaps the novel’s most ambiguous and haunting symbol. These eyes, described as “blue and gigantic — their retinas are one yard high,” gaze out from an abandoned billboard. They can be interpreted as a godlike presence watching over the moral wasteland of the modern world, silently judging the actions of the characters. The fact that they are on a decaying billboard suggests the commercialization of religion and the loss of spiritual values in a society obsessed with wealth and status. When George Wilson, in his grief and madness, refers to the eyes of Dr. Eckleburg as the eyes of God, Fitzgerald underscores the moral vacuity of a world where advertisements have replaced genuine spiritual guidance.
Fitzgerald’s use of color symbolism throughout the novel further enriches its thematic depth. The green of the light at the end of Daisy’s dock is contrasted with the white associated with Daisy herself. Her white dresses symbolize innocence and purity, but as the novel progresses, we see that this is merely a façade. The yellow of Gatsby’s car, symbolic of his wealth, becomes tainted when it is involved in Myrtle’s death, highlighting how the pursuit of wealth can lead to destruction.
The author’s skillful interweaving of these symbols creates a rich tapestry that supports the novel’s themes. The juxtaposition of the hopeful green light with the desolate valley of ashes mirrors the contrast between Gatsby’s dreams and the corrupt reality of the world he inhabits. The eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, watching over it all, serve as a reminder of the moral accountability that the characters often ignore in their pursuit of pleasure and wealth.
In conclusion, Fitzgerald’s masterful use of symbolism in “The Great Gatsby” adds layers of meaning to the narrative, transforming it from a simple story of unrequited love into a complex critique of American society. The green light, the valley of ashes, and the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg work together to create a powerful commentary on the hollowness of the American Dream and the moral bankruptcy of the Jazz Age. By embedding these symbols within the story, Fitzgerald invites readers to look beyond the glittering surface of the Roaring Twenties and consider the deeper, often darker, truths that lie beneath. This sophisticated use of symbolism is one of the reasons why “The Great Gatsby” continues to resonate with readers today, offering insights not just into a specific historical period, but into the enduring human struggles with aspiration, disillusionment, and the search for meaning in a materialistic world.