Critical Analysis Essay on The Great Gatsby
Green and Eyes: Symbolism in The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is one of the stories written by Francis Scott Fitzgerald, an American short story writer and novelist. This novel is considered as his most brilliant work. In this novel, symbolism is an important literary element. Fitzgerald used color and eyes as the most evident symbols in the story. Color is used to relate to and to extend the interpretations of the readers by adding meaning to the symbol. On the other hand, eyes are used as a way to portray the characteristics and intentions of the characters.
In The Great Gatsby, green is the primary color symbol, even if it is not the most frequently used. Green signifies many symbolism and meanings. Green is usually interpreted as a color of aspiration and desire; especially as portrayed by Daisy. It is regarded as the color of nature and culture: “the fresh, green breast of the new world.” It also represents technology: the green light at Daisy’s dock. Green is also cited as the color of the turf in golf course. The fresh green nature is observed for leisure and luxury (Tredell, 23).Thus, green represents new life, youth, and growth of the natural landscape. It may also mean moving on to a new direction because the green light is used as a signal that they can move forward. In The Great Gatsby, the green light poses religious significance. Gatsby stretches his arms towards the green light—as a form of encouragement. Yet, for the readers, green suggests naïve intention to recreate the past, wherein Gatsby hopes that Daisy will denounce having loved Tom (Crow, 26).
Aside from color, The Great Gatsby also used symbols that are drawn from the human body. Some of these symbols are the eyes. This symbol shows the overlapping traditional religious faith and commercial world. The eyes are used to differentiate traditional and commercial world. In the story, we can read many references to eyes: eyes on the billboard which advertises optician’s practice, Wilson’s eyes, and God’s eyes who sees all. Ironically, during the 20th century, the image of God was considered “dead.” God’s image had become just an advertisement image or an illusionary representation of ashes and death. Meanwhile, in Wilson’s eyes, the image of god becomes alive; but, God’s eyes become observant and judgmental rather than compassionate or merciful. Moreover, the Owl Eyes, or the man with huge spectacles assesses Gatsby’s achievement as an illusionist later on re-appeared as a passenger of a coupe which was driven by a drunken driver. Then, there are Daisy’s eyes, which are considered as eyes of judgment. When Gatsby shows Daisy around, Nick also infers that he re-assesses the value of the items in the house based on the reaction of Daisy’s eyes. Gatsby also does the same in judging all of his guests. Nick realizes that Gatsby is able to expand his own judgment by looking into Daisy’s eyes. At this point, we can identify Nick’s eyes as observing participant in the story. He “squarely” observes most of the characters in the story, yet he chooses to avoid looking straight to their eyes (Tredell, 25).
InThe Great Gatsby, the color is used as aspects of real world (i.e. grass, light) so that the readers can relate to its meaning. In Moreover, eyes are used to portray the intentions, characteristics, and roles of the characters in the story. In this way, the novel can extend the meanings that can even be inconsistent and contradictory. With these inconsistencies and contradictories, Fitzgerald was able to achieve different interpretations and critical thoughts from his readers. Symbols are used to exude images and concepts that can make the story closer to the readers (Maxwell, 99).
Works Cited:
Crow, Anne. Philip Allan Literature Guide for A-Level: The Great Gatsby. Oxford shire: Hachette UK, 2010.
Maxwell, Lauren.Romantic Revisions in Novels from the Americans. New York: Purdue University Press, 2013.
Tredell, Nicolas. Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby: A Reader’s Guide. London: Continuum International Publishing Group.