What Does The Use Of Symbolism In The Great Gatsby

Although novels written by authors usually focus on one idea with the main plot line of the story and the factors that make it up, they incorporate outside ideas as well. To do this, they most often use symbols, which also have the ability to hint at what will go on in oncoming events of the novel. These symbols, seen in settings and objects, allow the author to make reference to and represent these ideas that aren 't straightforward to the reader, yet give guidance to the deeper meaning of the novel. In F. Scott Fitzgerald 's The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald uses symbolism as a tool to share the underlying themes and ideas in the novel, relating to the time period itself and the development of the characters. It varies from referring to a character …show more content…
A leading role in the novel, Jay Gatsby lives in West Egg, New York along with the narrator of the novel, Nick. Throughout the novel, Gatsby shows interest in a woman living across from him in East Egg, New York, known as Daisy. Revealed as having a love for Daisy due to experiences from the past, Gatsby strives to remake the past and do anything possible to get there. He dreams of Daisy showing love to him and living happily with her again. As a representation throughout the novel and guidance for Gatsby throughout his journey, Fitzgerald makes reference to the green light that lies on Daisy 's dock and how Gatsby takes time to look at it and think of his dream. The use of the symbol continues on throughout the novel until the very end. Nick says in Chapter 9, "Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgiastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that 's no matter — tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther . . . . And one fine morning — So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past." (pg. 180). Gatsby kept on consistently with his dream and did so as a way to get back to the past. This relates to how many people desire to get what they had in the past back to enjoy it once again. The dream of the past and the green light guiding him allowed Gatsby to try and make the most …show more content…
Scott Fitzgerald uses the idea of dreams, the idea of being watch and the conflict between the two sides of society in many ways in The Great Gatsby. He shows the reader actual situations that occur in life with his use of symbolism and causes them to think. He puts into question whether or not dwelling on the past is worth the time. Continuing, he stresses the idea of being viewed for every action you do and the different perspectives people take on it. Lastly, he puts light on to the reality of society being unfairly divided leading to no one being able to come up to a proper position. This leaves the reader with deeper thought to think about rather than just the plot line of the