symbolism in the great gatsby

             The Great Gatsby is rich in symbolism, which is portrayed on several different levels in a variety of ways. One of the most important qualities of symbolism within this novel, is the way in which it is integrated into the plot and structure. Some of the symbols are used mostly as tools for characterization such as Gatsby's huge library of uncut books. Other symbols such as Gatsby's car, symbolizing material wealth in America and its destructfulness. However, the major symbols such as the valley of ashes, the green light, and the east and west, are filled with meanings that go beyond the plot, and truly capture Fitzgerald's theme of this novel; The corruption of the American dream.
             The corruptive effect of wealth is shown by the conflict between the established rich, represented by the East Eggers, and the newly rich, represented by the West Eggers. West Egg is the home of "new money" those who have made huge fortunes, but lack the traditions associated with inherited wealth and is therefore vulgar. "You live in West Egg," she remarked contemptuously." (Fitzgerald, 11). The East Eggers, represented by the Buchanans have the traditions and lack vulgarity, but the purposelessness and the empty futures their money has provided have corrupted them. "Across the courtesy bay the white palaces of fashionable East Egg glittered along the water..."(Fitzgerald, 5). The downfall of the American promise is also symbolized by the reversal of east and west. When the settlers came to the "New World" (America) to escape persecution and the corruption of their countries, they traveled from east to west. However, since the ideal has been corrupted, people travel from we!
             st to east attracted by the wealth and a materialistic life, masking the true emptiness of their goal of happiness. Daisy, Tom, Nick, Jordan, and Gatsby all were westerners, and by moving east, they moved from a world of values to a moral v...

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