Introduction
When I read this book, one thing that stood out to me was the use of symbolism in the story. Symbolism is a powerful literary device that vividly expresses a person, situation, or object to readers. It also adds enriched subtle flavor to literature, just like Umami in cooking.
Some symbolism is straightforward. For example, color symbolism is used in Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Masque of the Red Death” for an English speaker. Some symbolism, like “The Green Light” in Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, is more universally relatable. Many readers would see the green light as the symbol of the American Dream.
Some symbolism is ambiguous and may have a different meaning for each reader depending on their experience, knowledge, or background. Foster (2003) writes in his book “How to Read Literature Like a Professor” that not all symbols are straightforward; on many occasions, symbols cannot be reduced to one thing; instead, they permit an unlimited range of possible interpretations (pp.104-106). Sometimes, the same symbolism could polymorph to convey entirely different meanings. For example, water in Awakening by Kate Chopin would mean unlimited freedom, while water in The Great Gatsby represents something else.
Understanding symbolism in literature could enrich one’s reading experience. After reading multiple times and researching the meaning behind the symbolism, I came to my own conclusion on how I interpret the symbolism in The Great Gatsby. In this blog, I will discuss the symbolism in The Great Gatsby.
The Green Light
The green light is a symbol of hope and the American Dream that Gatsby chases. In English literature, the color green often stands for envy. It also represents money in the United States. The green light shows Gatsby’s envy and longing for the American Dream, old money. Gatsby believes that if he becomes wealthy enough, he will be accepted by the old-money society of East Egg. Having the green light on the Deck of Tom and Daisy’s house represents that marrying Daisy, for him, would mean becoming a part of that world.
Gatsby can see the green light glowing across the bay from his house. However, the water separates them, just like the social class divide. The water between Gatsby’s home and Daisy’s symbolizes their social gap. No matter how much effort he puts in or how much money he earns, he cannot close this gap. So, the light is always just out of his reach.
Why did Fitzgerald choose a light? A light is intangible—you can see it, but you can’t touch or hold it. This makes it the perfect symbol for Gatsby’s dream. No matter how rich he becomes, he will never be truly accepted by the old money elite because he lacks the family history they value. It’s a clever use of symbolism. It’s a haunting reminder of his dreams and his pursuits’ emptiness. By using a light, Fitzgerald emphasizes that Gatsby’s version of the American Dream is more like an illusion—something he can never attain.
The Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg
The first time “The Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg” appears in the book is in Chapter 2. This is another clever symbol Fitzgerald uses to subtly critique the moral decay and corruption of authority during this period.
The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg symbolize the moral decline of those in power. These eyes are part of a billboard featuring T.J. Eckleburg’s giant blue eyes. The eyes seem to watch everyone who passes by, but as the book says, “they look out of no face” (p.19). This suggests they don’t truly see anything. Instead, they watch from behind “a pair of enormous yellow spectacles” (p.19). The pick of “yellow” for the spectacle makes them seem like a corrupt authority tainted by greed and lies. The eyes symbolize a hollow moral authority that does nothing about the corruption and decay of the 1920s.
The billboard is faded, showing how worn and meaningless this supposed “authority” has become. The book describes it as “by many paintless days, under sun and rain” (p.19). The eyes stare at the “solemn dumping ground” (p.19), overlooking the polluted and neglected valley. This valley, more likely a byproduct of industrialization, shows the consequences of greed and negligence. Yet, the so-called authority represented by the eyes does nothing to fix it.
The Valley of Ashes
The “valley of ashes,” which appears in the 2nd chapter of the book, is a wasteland where the working poor live, a stark contrast to the vibrant and glamorous lives in East and West Egg. Fitzgerald uses this setting to show the darker side of the American Dream. In this industrial world, the rich become richer while the poor are stuck in a dull, colorless existence. It critiques the idea that wealth alone can bring happiness, revealing how luxury often comes at the expense of those who are forgotten and left to struggle.
For many Americans, the economic boom of the 1920s did not mean prosperity. The gap between the rich and the poor was enormous. According to a BBC source, the top 5% of Americans earned one-third of the country’s income. In comparison, over 60% lived below the poverty line.
Fitzgerald’s portrayal of the Valley of Ashes echoes themes in Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle. Like Sinclair, Fitzgerald highlights the effects of industrialization on the working class. While Sinclair openly exposes the poor conditions and exploitation of workers, Fitzgerald uses a more subtle approach, creating a visual parody of industrial decay using “Ashes.”
The Valley’s polluted environment symbolizes the toll industrialization takes on the working class, even as the wealthy continue to thrive in luxury. Since Gatsby’s party is colorful, it emphasizes how dull the environment appears outside the rich area.
Conclusion
I was thrilled as I worked to decode the deeper meanings of The Great Gatsby. When I got to the second chapter, I was amazed at how cleverly the symbolism was used. The more I thought about it, the more I realized the story was about more than just the characters. While The Great Gatsby is a tragedy, I can’t help but feel the author’s criticism of the American Dream woven into the narrative.
In this blog, I focused on the symbolism of the green light, the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg, and the Valley of Ashes because those are more likely your English teacher asks you to think about the meaning behind them. However, the novel is rich with even more symbols, especially through its use of color (white, yellow, and green). After reading this, I encourage you to think about what each color might symbolize for you. Please share your thoughts with us! Don’t worry if your interpretation is different. Interpretation of symbolism varies with a reader, which makes literature so fascinating.
References
Weaknesses in the American economy became more apparent as the 1920s progressed (CCEA). (n.d.). BBC Bitesize. Retrieved November 4, 2024, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/znw2fdm
Fitzgerald, F.S. (1925). The Great Gatsby, Scribner. (the book was printed by Amazon)