Symbolism in The Great Gatsby
The green light symbolizes hope, dreams, and the future. Gatsby reaches out for the green light. The green light is on the end of Daisy’s dock.
The automobile symbolizes danger. The drunk man doesn’t even realize that the tire has fallen off his car. Jordan states that she doesn’t have to be a careful driver. Daisy runs over Myrtle.
The Valley of the Ashes symbolizes the corruption of the 1920s. Ashes cover everything in the area. Fitzgerald describes it as “dismal” and a “wasteland.” Nick crosses deliberately to the other side of the train when he passes the Valley of the Ashes. He wants to get away from the corruption.
Dr. T. J. Eckelberg symbolizes God. The billboard looks over the Valley of the Ashes. After discovering her affair, George Wilson tells his wife “you can’t fool God” while staring up at the billboard.
The heat in chapter 7 symbolizes trauma and tension. Fitzgerald emphasizes the heat throughout the entire chapter where the affairs are discovered and Myrtle is killed.
Gold and silver symbolize wealth. Gatsby wears a suit with a silver shirt and a gold tie to the meeting with Daisy to impress her with his vast wealth.
Green symbolizes jealousy. Fitzgerald describes George Wilson’s face as green after he discovers Myrtle’s affair.
Blue symbolizes dreams. During the first party that Nick attends Gatsby’s gardens are described as blue. Also, after a party, Gatsby sends a guest a “gas blue” dress after her dress is torn.
Yellow symbolizes greed and wealth. The twins at Gatsby’s party are dressed in yellow. Gatsby’s car is yellow.