Transcript Symbols

The Great Gatsby
Literary Notes – Symbols
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 the
green light
 Gatsby’s hope to recapture the past.
 the Valley of Ashes
 corruption caused by greed
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 Dr.
T.J. Eckleburg’s eyes
 American dream surrounded by
corruption of greed
 Gatsby’s mansion
 American dream; his attempt to
capture the past
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 weather
 reflects
mood – rain/sun at Daisy &
Gatsby’s meeting; extreme heat
during confrontation
 clocks
 Gatsby’s attempt to stop time, turn
back time
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 Wolfsheim’s
cufflinks
 brutal criminal underworld
 music/songs
 attempt to cover up problems or
corruption
 “yellow cocktail music”
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 uncut
books
 illusion of depth; extreme wealth
 Faded timetable with guest list
 “moths” – famous partygoers
 names are grey - corruption
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 Gatsby’s
clothes
 depends on colors
 also, wealth
 Gatsby’s car
 cream = rich; yellow later shows
corruption of his dream
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 West
Egg
 new money that won’t last
 think sunset
 East Egg
 old money that will endure
 think sunrise
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 the
Midwest
 honesty, integrity, “real” life
uncorrupted by greed.
 New York
 greed, Roaring Twenties (loose
morals, etc.)