Symbolism In The Great Gatsby

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F. Scott Fitzgerald is a man who believes that God can be found in many places, which is prevalent in his book, The Great Gatsby. Throughout The Great Gatsby, one can find a plethora of religious references that are brought to light by the book’s characters Owl Eyes, Doctor Eckleburg, and Gatsby.This symbolism is found in the character’s actions and how the other characters react to them. One prevalent character that represents a divine deity is Owl Eyes. Within the book, there are several instances when Owl Eyes shows traits that are mainly associated with God. For instance, Owl Eyes shows up during the most important events while not being directly involved in them. In the beginning of the novel, Nick and Jordan wander off in search of …show more content…
Dr. Eckleburg overlooks the Valley of Ashes and “sees” everything that happens there. For example, the author gives the following description, “But above the gray land and the spasms of bleak dust which drift endlessly over it, you perceive, after a moment, the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg” (Fitzgerald, 23). Doctor Eckleburg is described as having the ability to see everything within the Valley of Ash, which could be an allusion to God’s all seeing eyes. Just as God witnesses humanities sins, Doctor Eckleburg witnesses the sins of Gatsby and the other characters. He even observes the most critical moment of the whole novel, Myrtle’s death. The characters in the novel also notice the holy symbol that is Doctor Eckleburg as he watches over their predicaments. Wilson himself is shown to have an understanding of the importance that the billboard stands for, “he was looking at the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg…’God sees everything,’ repeated Wilson” (Fitzgerald, 159-160). Wilson acknowledges the ever looming eyes of Doctor Eckleburg and associates this aspect of the persona with that of the eyes of God. Another article written by Schroeder backs the idea by claiming, “Wilson is aware God exists” (“The Oculists, The Son, and The Holy Owl Eyes”, 1). The article supports the idea by stating that Wilson is aware God exists and uses Doctor …show more content…
Gatsby’s final moments cause many readers to look at Gatsby as a sort of Christ figure. One aspect present in Gatsby’s death scene is the air mattress he carries to the pool. “Gatsby shouldered the mattress and started for the pool” (Fitzgerald, 161). Usually one does not carry a mattress on their back, but Gatsby did. Some people assume that this is a representation of Jesus carrying the cross on his back, which the fact that Gatsby eventually dies on this mattress supports such a claim. The theory is further shown by Gatsby’s chauffeur offering to help Gatsby carry the mattress, much like Simon of Cyrene who helps Jesus carry his cross for a bit. Additionally, one could find another supporting point by looking at Gatsby’s death in a sacrificial point of view. Gatsby confirms Nick’s suspicions of Daisy being the one to hit Myrtle, but he also says, “Yes,...but of course I’ll say I was’” (Fitzgerald, 143). Gatsby’s willingness to take the blame for Myrtle’s death and Daisy’s sin lead to his eventual death. By giving his life for Daisy’s sin, Gatsby’s death resembles the death of Jesus Christ, whereas Jesus died for humanity's sins. The article “The Passion of Gatsby: Evocation of Jesus in Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby” even states, “Her [Daisy] killing Myrtle is accidental and therefore cannot be sin, but she flees the scene of the accident, and that is a sin as well as a crime. Gatsby
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