The Great Gatsby

What does the mantle clock symbolize or represent?

What are the representations of the mantle clock/

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During the first reunion between Gatsby and Daisy, Fitzgerald describes Gatsby as having “his head leaned back so far that it rested against the fact of a defunct mantelpiece clock” (87). The act of leaning against a defunct clock, which represents time, can be interpreted as Gatsby using time as support; yet time, in turn, has failed him. Ever since meeting Daisy, Gatsby has tried desperately to become wealthy and be a good match for Daisy; over time he succeed his dream of attaining the money, but over time, he lost Daisy. Since “Time is money”, Fitzgerald is criticizing how people are unconsciously allowing money to interfere with their lives, and even worse: their love.

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http://bookstove.com/classics/symbolism-in-the-great-gatsby/