The Great Gatsby

Discuss Fitzgerald's use of symbols, such as the eyes of T. J. Eckleburg, the green light on daisy's dock, and the valley of ashes

What did Fitzgerald mean when he said the eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg, the greenlight on Daisy's dock, and the valley of ashes?

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Last updated by Aslan
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Each symbol would take a bit of space. You should ask about each one in a separate question. I'll take the green light on Daisy's dock first:

The colour green is a significant symbol in this novel. We usually see green as growth, money, regeneration...For Gatsby, the green light is different, it makes him "tremble." The green light reminds him of Daisy. She is an illusion of new beginnings, love, longing and desire. Daisy of course is actually the opposite of any of these things but not for Gatsby. In Chapter one Nick watches Gatsby stretch out his arms towards this light as if it is a sign that he will find what he so desperately longs for.