In 'The Great Gatsby,' Fitzgerald uses symbols like the green light, symbolizing Gatsby's dreams and the American Dream, and the Valley of Ashes, representing the era's moral and social decay.
F. Scott Fitzgerald's classic novel The Great Gatsby is replete with symbolism that captures the essence of the 1920s and themes such as the American Dream and social stratification. Two notable symbols in the novel include the green light at the end of Daisy Buchanan's dock and the Valley of Ashes.
The green light is first introduced early in the novel and serves as a symbol of Gatsby's hopes and dreams, particularly his desire for Daisy and what she represents. This distant light is often mentioned throughout the story, corresponding with Gatsby's longing for a future that incessantly eludes him. It also represents the broader theme of the American Dream and the idea of striving for an unattainable goal.
The Valley of Ashes, on the other hand, symbolizes the moral decay and social decay hidden behind the façade of wealth and happiness. It's a barren wasteland situated between West Egg and New York City, depicting the consequences of the era's unchecked materialism. The eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg, depicted on an old advertisement billboard, act as a silent witness to the desolation of the place and can be interpreted as a godlike figure observing the moral decay of society.