F. Scott Fitzgerald masterfully employs various literary techniques in his novel “The Great Gatsby” to convey his message about the decline of the American Dream, social class distinctions, and themes of love and marriage. This essay provides a comprehensive analysis of Fitzgerald’s use of literary devices in the novel.
Symbolism in “The Great Gatsby”
One of the most notable symbols in “The Great Gatsby” is the green light visible from Gatsby’s West Egg mansion but obscured from Daisy’s East Egg pier. This green light symbolizes Gatsby’s aspirations and hopes for the future, particularly in relation to Daisy. It also represents the broader American Dream and the pursuit of something unattainable (Harvey 14). Nick, the narrator, connects this green light to the hope that early settlers may have felt upon seeing America rise from the ocean.
Located between West Egg and New York City, the Valley of Ashes epitomizes the moral and societal decay caused by the relentless pursuit of wealth. It is a desolate area resulting from industrial ash dumping, symbolizing the plight of the impoverished like George Wilson, who lives amidst the ashen wasteland, losing vitality as a consequence (Liu 418).
Dr. T. J. Eckleburg’s eyes, on a faded billboard facing the Valley of Ashes, serve as a powerful symbol in the novel. These eyes, behind spectacles, may symbolize a judgmental God observing a moral wasteland, although Fitzgerald suggests symbols derive their meaning from those who interpret them (Harvey 12). This ambiguity adds to the eerie quality of the image, making the eyes a metaphor for the inherent meaninglessness of the universe and the irrationality of assigning meaning to objects (Liu 419).
Foreshadowing in “The Great Gatsby”
“The Great Gatsby” employs significant foreshadowing throughout the narrative. Nick’s comment in the first chapter that Gatsby “turned out alright in the end” is later revealed to be tragically ironic (Harvey 17). This foreshadows Gatsby’s ultimate demise, despite his earlier heroic stature in the narrative.
Gatsby’s pursuit of the green light, with arms outstretched and “trembling,” hints at the brief and ultimately futile nature of his quest (Harvey 16). Nick’s observation that Gatsby disappears into the “unquiet night” foreshadows his tragic end (Harvey 13). The unattainable nature of the green light suggests that Gatsby’s dreams of a future with Daisy will never be realized.
Metaphor and Simile in “The Great Gatsby”
Nick employs vivid metaphors and similes to describe emotions and settings in the novel. For instance, he compares the Midwest to “the ragged edge of the universe,” illustrating his sense of displacement after returning from World War I (Harvey 13).
Conclusion
In “The Great Gatsby”, F. Scott Fitzgerald uses symbolism, metaphors, and similes to explore themes such as social class distinctions and the demise of the American Dream. These literary devices deepen the reader’s understanding of the novel and highlight its relevance to contemporary society.
Works Cited
Harvey, W. J. “Theme and Texture in The Great Gatsby.” (1957): 12-20.
Liu, Xiangqi. “Stylistic Analysis of The Great Gatsby from Context Category.” Journal of Language Teaching and Research, vol. 1, no. 4, 2010, pp. 416-420.
