The Symbolism of Great Grasby
The Symbolism of Great Grasby
The character Jay Gatsby is the most symbolic element of the story due to
Fitzgeralds details about Gatsbys entire life. Gatsby who was the son of poor farmers was determined to better his life. As Gatsbys father later showed Nick, when Gatsby was a child he had laid out a detailed plan on how to run his life. This plan he felt would make him more successful in life. By the time Gatsby left to join Dan Cody, he had already set himself apart from his old way of life, hence his name change. Gatsby leaving his old life to start a new and more successful one parallels almost identically to those of the early colonist who left their old cultures and traditions in search of a new and more prosperous life in America.
During his army days, Gatsby falls in love with the well-to-do Daisy. He falsely
allows her to believe he can support her but when she realizes he can not she marries Tom Buchanan, a man who is able to care for her financially. Not until he loses her does Gatsby realize that the time with Daisy was the happiest of his life. Realizing that only with money can he regain Daisys affection, for years he runs dishonorable businesses to become rich in hope that one day his wealth will bring her back. This hope of happiness through money is believed in by countless Americans today, no matter what the problem, people believe that wealth and material possessions can make things right.
Along with Gatsbys life being a symbol on its own, his discovery that once he had
Daisy in his arms the enchantment that surrounded her disappeared parallels the belief that Americans have, that wealth brings happiness. In a way, Gatsby found the hunt to reunite with Daisy to be exciting; and when he finally had her that hunt was over. Similarly people with millions of dollars gain many material possessions but unless they find someone they truly care about to share it with their possessions are meaningless. The idea of being surrounded by people you care about not the ones who only care about your money is also shown at Gatsbys funeral. Hundreds of people have associated with him or have gone to his parties including his lover Daisy but only Gatsbys true friends, like his father and Nick were there with him when he died.
A second way that symbolism is displayed in the book is by the portrayal of Tom
and Daisy Buchanan. They come from the most sophisticated, respected, and wealthy backgrounds and live off their families money while traveling around the world. The wealthy, like Daisy and Tom,