Loneliness In The Great Gatsby

In the story The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, there are several themes and symbols that are conspicuous. The two biggest themes in the novel are greed and loneliness. The green light, Valley of Ashes, and the color gold or yellow, are symbols that stand out. Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald demonstrates a variety of themes. However, the three that stand out the most, are greed, loneliness, and creating one’s identity. Jay Gatsby is known by readers as a very greedy, and big-headed man. In his world, everything revolves around him. The only thing he wanted all to himself was Daisy although she was clearly better off without him, which is portrayed when Daisy says, “I’m glad it’s a girl. And I hope she’ll be a fool-that’s the best …show more content…
The green light is highlighted the most. In the story, Nick says, “Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us” (Fitzgerald 189). This quote demonstrates how Gatsby had hope and used the light to guide him through the tough times to his goal, which was to win Daisy back. Furthermore, in chapter nine, Nick compares the green light and how America must have looked to the early settlers of new nation. Another key symbol in the novel is the Valley of Ashes. The Valley represents the difference between the upper and lower class. It is hopeless and has a ton of poverty. For example, this is illustrated when Tom Buchanan visits the Valley and has a conversation like , ““Hello, Wilson, old man,” said Tom, slapping him jovially on the shoulder. “How’s business?” “I can’t complain,” answered Wilson unconvincingly. “When are you going to sell me that car?” “Next week; I’ve got my man working on it now.” “Works pretty slow, don’t he?” “No, he doesn’t,” said Tom coldly. “And if you feel that way about it, maybe I’d better sell it somewhere else after