Fitzgerald’s The Great
Gatsby is a novel that is, in
some respects, arguably
timeless. Perhaps because
its central themes of human
desires, relationships and
money remain pertinent to
this day. The novel’s central
focus lies in the portrayal of
the American Dream, a
component of the 1920’s
which held great
significance and
marked the excesses that
accompanied America’s
Jazz Age. It circumferenced
the
belief: Anyone can pursue
and accomplish their
dreams, thus be successful
and gain
wealth. In his novel,
Fitzgerald illustrates the
extent to which the dream
was largely
corrupted and unattainable.
Through style and
symbolism, namely that of
colour and
materialism, the author
successfully draws attention
to and focuses steadily on
the
American Dream with
respect to its failure and
unattainability.
HL Essay
Maria Ficek
Word count:1362
Symbolism and the American Dream
To what extent does F Scott Fitzgerlad use symbolism and color in The Great Gatsby
to explore the idea of the American dream?
Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is known as a classic, maybe because it delves into
important subjects like relationships, human wants, and the want of fortune. The book
explores the idea of the "American Dream," which was a popular notion in the 1920s
and summed up the social goal and economic gaols of the time. Fitzgerald implies
that everyone can achieve success and wealth, but he also shows how the American
Dream can become tainted and unattainable for many. By using symbolism, such as
color and materialism, the author emphasizes the eventual impossibility of the
American Dream.
Fitzgerald uses materialistic symbolism to show how people like Gatsby fall short of
their goals in life. As a member of West Egg, Gatsby personified the decade's excesses
—luxury, parties…etc For example, Nick Carraway's "unaffected scorn" (Fitzgerald
8) towards Gatsby made him an admirable figure. The narrator's contradictory
admiration for Gatsby implies that there are problems in the connections that other
characters have with Gatsby. The mansion description of Gatsby provides an example.
Carraway clarifies that Gatsby "lived in West Egg, the well, the less fashionable of the
two, though this is a most superficial tag to express the bizarre and not a little sinister
contrast between them." Fitzgerald, 7. Carraway's portrayal of the divide between the
East and the West, which is further enhanced by the subtly acknowledged dark
contrast, exemplifies a deep contradiction. This image suggests the picture of
immigrants who fled to New York's western districts in search of better opportunities;
the West represents these hopes, and the East Egg represents inherited wealth.
The reader's attention is drawn to The Valley of Ashes as a stark image of poverty that
exposes the moral uncertainty that exists among America's elite. Located "about
halfway between West Egg and New York" (Fitzgerald 23), it houses the working
class of the nation and is a symbol of capitalism. This comparison highlights the quick
growth of social degradation in the Valley, since the author describes it as "a fantastic
farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens"
(Fitzgerald 23). Furthermore, "Ashes"' recurrent motif suggests themes of decay and
mortality. The frustrations that come with chasing the American Dream are
symbolized by the Valley of Ashes. Fitzgerald draws attention to the problems with
society and the economy, which are primarily caused by materialism. As the story
goes on, it's clear that neither the East nor the West has a monopoly on extravagance
or wealth. This is especially clear when it comes to how the Valley portrays the
conflict between these two regions. Even with the way Carraway depicts Gatsby's
home, his riches is little compared to Tom Buchanan's, as evidenced by the cars they
drive. Gatsby's car is described as a "rich cream color, adorned with triumphant hat-
boxes and supper-boxes and tool-boxes, and adorned with a maze of windshields
reflecting a dozen suns," in contrast to the Buchanans' "easygoing blue coupe"
(Fitzgerald 70).
In the social setting of Gatsby, yellow is associated with dishonesty, which calls for
caution and may even paint Gatsby as a liar. On the other hand, blue, as seen in Tom's
"relaxed, comfortable coupe," highlights the stability of his money and social status in
contrast to Gatsby's shaky financial base. Furthermore, it is implied—albeit subtly—
that Gatsby, as New Money, went to great lengths to impress and flaunt his wealth by
the overly dramatic terminology, like "dozen suns," and the detailed description of his
automobile's characteristics. Tom, on the other hand, needs no such effort to preserve
his position with his casual blue automobile. Even while Gatsby's car boasts exquisite
attention to detail that adds to its elegance and reputation, this emphasis dwindles as
the narrative comes to a close.Daisy's failure to pay attention while driving during the
collision highlights an important finding about the difference between old and new
wealth. Daisy's ability to avoid punishment as an Old Money representative highlights
the disappointment that comes with the American dream. This case further highlights
the narrow opportunities presented by the American dream of fame and fortune,
especially for those outside of the upper class's protected circle.
In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald uses materialism as a major theme to present the
opposing worlds of East and West Egg in the 1920s and illustrate the disparities in
wealth among people. Furthermore, the use of color symbolism—which is apparent in
the descriptions of Tom's automobile and Gatsby—becomes more and more
important. Carraway's evocative and even mystical narration makes this clear: "Now
there was a green light on a pier again. His collection of magical items has decreased
by one. Even that afternoon, there had to have been times when Daisy fell short of his
expectations—not because of anything Daisy did wrong, but rather due to the
enormous life of his delusion. It had beyond her and all boundaries." (Fitzgerald 103)
Gatsby's need for Daisy to return is symbolized by the green, pulsating beacon at the
dock. Daisy is the epitome of everything Gatsby has ever yearned for: perfection,
innocence, grace, and nobility.
The embodiment of the "vitality of his illusion," which surpasses everything—
including his beloved Daisy, whom he could never fully attain—reveals Gatsby's
disillusionment with his ambitions. Fitzgerald portrays the impossibility of Gatsby's
dreams and gives the reader a personal look at his disillusionment. "Gatsby believed
in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us," Carraway
says in reflection on Gatsby's passing. Fitzgerald states at a pivotal point in the story,
"And then one fine morning-so we beat on, against the current, borne back ceaselessly
into the past." Fitzgerald, p. 193. Fitzgerald uses the symbolic imagery of the green
light to deftly connect the past with the ambitious hopes of a "orgastic" future through
this statement. This green light captures the optimism, aspiration, and desire for
achievement that so many Americans aspire to, embodying the core of the American
dream. The punctuative use of ellipses and dashes suggests that, in Fitzgerald's
opinion, we should make an effort to strive after our deepest desires even if they are
unlikely to come true.
In conclusion, Fitzgerald's use of color symbolism such as those for West and East
Egg, are closely related to the American Dream. These images emphasize the
disappointment felt by people who prioritize success and money over their own
genuineness and help to shape the idea of the American dream. The green light's
symbolism stands out as the ultimate embodiment of the American dream, capturing
Gatsby's disappointment with his own identity and background. Fitzgerald illustrates
how too many people have idealized the American Dream through a blend of
symbolism and artistic devices.
Works Cited
Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. 1925. Scribner, 10 Apr. 1925.
