Final answer:
In 'The Great Gatsby,' the repeated mention of noses serves as a symbolic element representing individual character traits and societal themes, such as violence, moral judgment, and the contrasting realities of the 1920s.
Step-by-step explanation:
The recurring mention of noses in The Great Gatsby can be interpreted as a symbolic element, through which F. Scott Fitzgerald explores various themes and character traits. The specific symbolism of noses may vary depending on the context in which they appear. For instance, the broken nose of Myrtle could represent the violence and lack of control in her life and relationships, while Dr. Eckleburg's large, all-seeing eyes, with their distinctive glasses, could symbolize a godlike judgment or the moral decay of society. Furthermore, the nose as a symbol in literature often pertains to character and identity, as seen in how Fitzgerald uses it to depict individual characters within their social context, as well as to highlight the contrasting veneers and the undercurrents of reality in the Roaring Twenties.