A symbol is an object or place used to represent an idea or situation. In the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald there are many symbols. The themes of The Great Gatsby are shown through its use of symbols. The most important of the symbols used in the novel are the green light, the contrast between East Egg and the West Egg, and the valley of ashes.
             The green light lights up across the water from Gatsby's house. This light is shown from the end of Daisy's dock. For Gatsby, this green light symbolized the "go-ahead" sign. Green was the symbol for promise, hope, and renewal. Gatsby's dream was to be with Daisy. The green light on the other side of the water gave him hope that his dream would come true. Gatsby saw his dream or goal and never gave up. He moved into the mansion across the water from Daisy, just so he could watch her, and be close to her. The green light meant that Gatsby had a chance of winning Daisy. Gatsby asked Daisy to tell Tom that she loved him, but this was too much to ask. Daisy told Gatsby that he asked too much and she said she loved both of them. At the end of the novel the green light was no longer a sacred symbol of hope or promise but just a light at the end of the dock.
             The contrast between East Egg and West Egg are shown through the differences between the lifestyles and attitudes of the people who lived there. The west represents the idealistic viewpoints and the simplicity of life. The east represents the corruption of the wealth and the wastefulness of society. Tom, and Daisy live in East Egg. They represent the established rich. Gatsby, and Nick live in West Egg. They represent "what mother likes to call, "new money"". The established rich spend their money without caring about a thing. The West Egg represents the poor parts of society. Most people that lived in the west had to work for a living. Tom saw them as lower class people. Ga...