Symbols are often used in today’s society as a method to create imagery and add detail to stories. Similarly, F. Scott Fitzgerald uses symbols to add meaning and depth to his historical fiction novel The Great Gatsby. In the work, Gatsby, an extremely wealthy bootlegger with a questionable history, is fighting to get back the love of his life, Daisy Buchanan. The book follows his struggle to win her back and highlights the luxurious lifestyles and “over the top” qualities of this decade. Fitzgerald uses automobiles, the eyes of TJ Eckleberg, and a green light to draw attention to impulsive actions, partying, and Gatsby’s hopeless dream.
Throughout this novel there are numerous examples of how cars are used to show the reckless behavior of people in the 1920’s. After attending one of Gatsby’s large and lavish parties, everyone begins to head back to their homes. Owl Eyes, one of the frequenters at Gatsby’s extravagant parties, gets into a car accident. Everyone’s gaze shifted towards the wheel that had come off of the automobile (Fitzgerald 55). Neither Owl Eyes nor the driver had realized that they were off the road without a wheel. Dumbfounded and utterly confused, Owl Eyes inquires that they had run out of gas. This first accident is …show more content…
Upon Gatsby and Daisy’s reuniting, Gatsby told Daisy about the green light that shined all night at the end of her dock. Once he had her back in his arms again it had lost its meaning. It had once represented “the great distance that had separated him from [her, and] it had seemed very near to her, almost touching her” (93). Even until the day Gatsby died he “believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us” (180). The green light served as a constant reminder of Gatsby’s desperate dream and hopefulness to win Daisy back. No matter what Gatsby did he could never give up on the green light, the idea that he could turn back time and be with Daisy
Throughout this novel there are numerous examples of how cars are used to show the reckless behavior of people in the 1920’s. After attending one of Gatsby’s large and lavish parties, everyone begins to head back to their homes. Owl Eyes, one of the frequenters at Gatsby’s extravagant parties, gets into a car accident. Everyone’s gaze shifted towards the wheel that had come off of the automobile (Fitzgerald 55). Neither Owl Eyes nor the driver had realized that they were off the road without a wheel. Dumbfounded and utterly confused, Owl Eyes inquires that they had run out of gas. This first accident is …show more content…
Upon Gatsby and Daisy’s reuniting, Gatsby told Daisy about the green light that shined all night at the end of her dock. Once he had her back in his arms again it had lost its meaning. It had once represented “the great distance that had separated him from [her, and] it had seemed very near to her, almost touching her” (93). Even until the day Gatsby died he “believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us” (180). The green light served as a constant reminder of Gatsby’s desperate dream and hopefulness to win Daisy back. No matter what Gatsby did he could never give up on the green light, the idea that he could turn back time and be with Daisy