1. Symbolism in The Great Gatsby
Mrs. Pavao

2. Valley of the Ashes Description at beginning of chapter 2
Where is it located?
It is in between NYC and Long Island
What is happening during this time period to industry?
The image of a barren wasteland of ashes provides a stark contrast to the lavish parties of Jay Gatsby.
Also, the Valley of the Ashes symbolizes the moral decay that Fitzgerald saw behind the façade of wealth and happiness.
Also, it symbolizes the dull and lifeless style of the working class, and it represents societal decay due to industrial boom.

3. Eyes What is the function of our eyes?
Eyes represent vision and are all-seeing

4. Dr. T. J. Eckleburg’s Eyes
“The eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg are blue and gigantic…they look out of no face, but instead, from a pair of enormous yellow spectacles.”
Where is “he” located? Why does this location matter?
In the vast wasteland of the Valley of Ashes stands a solitary landmark: a billboard with an advertisement for an optometrist.
Fitzgerald chose these huge, flat, empty eyes to symbolize God staring blindly out at the moral decay of humanity.

5. The Owl-Eyed Man
This man watches over Gatsby’s house all the time. He keeps things in Gatsby’s house safe.
Also, he tries to see the man behind the illusion.

6. Noses What is the function of a nose?
“Turning our noses up at people” is what the rich people do
When do noses come up in the story?
What else could noses represent?
Being “nosy”- in everyone else’s business

7. The Green Light Where is it located?
What happened when Gatsby looked at it WITH Daisy?
It represents Gatsby’s HOPE. The virtue that Nick most respected in Gatsby.

8. Color Imagery WHITE: White represents purity YELLOW:
But Daisy’s not pure???
With Daisy it represents her shallowness, careless attitude and lack of responsibility.
YELLOW:
Yellow represents cowardice and corruption
MORE:
Gold and silver
represent money (Ex/ Gatsby’s flashy display and attempt to impress Daisy when he wears the gold tie and silver shirt)

9. Clocks and Time How has time affected Gatsby? Nick? Daisy?
In the novel, time is inconsistent, fluid and ever-changing.
Gatsby believes you can repeat the past.
Nick’s narration is distorted due to drunkenness, AND lack of interest.