symbolism in the great gatsby

The Great Gatsby is rich in symbolism, which is portrayed on several different levels in a variety of ways. One of the most important qualities of symbolism within this novel, is the way in which it is integrated into the plot and structure. Some of the symbols are used mostly as tools for characterization such as Gatsby's huge library of uncut books. Other symbols such as Gatsby's car, symbolizing material wealth in America and its …

…using materialism as its means and the illusion of youth and beauty as its goal, is the corruption of American idealism, which in turn becomes the empty promise. In the end Gatsby is destroyed by his illusions of Daisy, just as the fresh landscape of America has been converted into a depressing “valley of ashes,” and the sacred green light becomes nothing but a green bulb burning at the end of Daisy's dock. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**