The Great Gatsby Symbolism Essay
Amy Chen
May 3, 2012
Block E
Gatsby's Symbolic House
In literature, symbols are used to add deeper meaning to the story or hint at an emotion or attitude towards something without directly stating it. Sometimes they are obvious while other times sometimes they are hidden, regardless, they are used to enhance the story. In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald uses symbolism to create a more realistic story for the reader. Although, many symbols are present throughout the story, Gatsby's house represents something more than just a luxurious building; his house reveals Gatsby's true character, love for Daisy and his struggle to maintain it.
Gatsby's lavish mansion is described early on in the story which illustrates Gatsby's personality. Within the first several pages of the book, Gatsby's house is expressed as “a colossal affair by any standard...” (Fitzgerald 5). It can be inferred that his house is exceptionally larger than the other houses of West Egg, therefore wealthier than the average persons'. Nick, the narrator, also mentions that his house is “squeezed between two huge places” (Fitzgerald 5). The imagery added here, creates a more detailed picture in the reader's mind of Gatsby's house compared to Nick's. After Gatsby's death, his empty house symbolizes his unimportance in the community. Although, his parties were not actually meant for the people, he had always welcomed them. In return, only three people attend his funeral: Nick, his father, and Owl Eyes. Earlier, Nick called some of Gatsby's friends, at least he thought they were, but they rejected his request and claimed that they had other priorities. During the funeral, Nick even “... asked him [minister] to wait for half an hour. But it wasn't any use. Nobody came” (Fitzgerald 174). Gatsby and his money were taken advantage of by the people which reveals that he is oblivious; Not giving back to the community shows that he is selfish- only caring about Daisy.
Ever since Daisy
May 3, 2012
Block E
Gatsby's Symbolic House
In literature, symbols are used to add deeper meaning to the story or hint at an emotion or attitude towards something without directly stating it. Sometimes they are obvious while other times sometimes they are hidden, regardless, they are used to enhance the story. In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald uses symbolism to create a more realistic story for the reader. Although, many symbols are present throughout the story, Gatsby's house represents something more than just a luxurious building; his house reveals Gatsby's true character, love for Daisy and his struggle to maintain it.
Gatsby's lavish mansion is described early on in the story which illustrates Gatsby's personality. Within the first several pages of the book, Gatsby's house is expressed as “a colossal affair by any standard...” (Fitzgerald 5). It can be inferred that his house is exceptionally larger than the other houses of West Egg, therefore wealthier than the average persons'. Nick, the narrator, also mentions that his house is “squeezed between two huge places” (Fitzgerald 5). The imagery added here, creates a more detailed picture in the reader's mind of Gatsby's house compared to Nick's. After Gatsby's death, his empty house symbolizes his unimportance in the community. Although, his parties were not actually meant for the people, he had always welcomed them. In return, only three people attend his funeral: Nick, his father, and Owl Eyes. Earlier, Nick called some of Gatsby's friends, at least he thought they were, but they rejected his request and claimed that they had other priorities. During the funeral, Nick even “... asked him [minister] to wait for half an hour. But it wasn't any use. Nobody came” (Fitzgerald 174). Gatsby and his money were taken advantage of by the people which reveals that he is oblivious; Not giving back to the community shows that he is selfish- only caring about Daisy.
Ever since Daisy