THE GREAT GATSBY DISCUSSION DAY 2 Symbolism Juniors

Swbat analyze symbolism within The Great Gatsby DO NOW QUIZ Have your homework out

MOTIF A motif in English literature is a recurrent image, idea or theme. An author may use an object, a color or an emotion as a motif to enhance the story she is trying to tell. While people often may consider motifs relics of antiquated writing, they are prevalent in books, as well as plays and poems. If something recurs in a story, you can argue that it is a motif.

SYMBOLISM A symbol is a person, object, action, place, or even that in addition to its literal meaning, suggests a more complex meaning or range of meanings 1. A symbol is an object, a picture, a written word, or a sound that is used to represent something. A motif is an image, spoken or written word, sound, act, or another visual or structural device that is used to develop a theme. 2. A symbol can be repeated once or twice, while a motif is constantly repeated. 3. A symbol can help in the understanding of an idea or thing, while a motif can help indicate what the literary work or piece is all about. 4. The meaning of a symbol depends on its history and purpose while the meaning of a motif depends on how it is being used in a certain literary work.

OTHER SYMBOLS IN GG The eyes symbolize the loss of spiritual values in America. The billboard was erected to promote the business of an optometrist in Queensborough – the eyes symbolize the growing commercialism of America – life in America is all about making money “But his eyes, dimmed a little by many paintless days, under sun and rain, brood on over the solemn dumping ground.” The old-fashioned values of America, which Nick Carraway returns to reconnect with in the mid-West are completely absent from the East, God seems to have abandoned America, leaving only Dr. T.J. Eckleburg behind to stare down with his empty eyes on people who have abandoned their spiritual values in the quest to achieve material wealth. Source:

OTHER SYMBOLS IN GG The green light represents Gatsby’s dream. First mention of it Nick says that Gatsby was reaching out for it…making it seem like it was closer and almost attainable. --”So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” This describes Gatsby’s inability to move on from the past. Everything he does in the novel is to try and recreate the past. In this metaphor, Gatsby tries to goes against the currents—or time—to reach the green light or his dream. And as in the quote, the green light which represents his dream, ‘recedes’ like waves year by year. Source:

SAME COLOR GROUP Get together with your same color group. Set-up your paper according to the model. COLOR What does your color represent in the book? Does your color represent anything else? Give an example of how your color is used. Direct quote with proper citation Is your color associated with a character(s)? What is the overall significance of the color?

SHARE YOUR COLOR Gallery walk of the colors. Take notes. You never know if it will show up on a quiz.