Symbolism in The Great Gatsby

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Symbolism in The Great Gatsby
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The green light symbolizes hope, dreams, and the
future.

• Gatsby reaches out for the green light.
• The green light is on the end of Daisys dock.

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The automobile symbolizes danger.

• The drunk man doesnt even realize that the tire
  has fallen off his car.
• Jordan states that she doesnt have to be a
  careful driver.
• Daisy runs over Myrtle.

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The Valley of the Ashes symbolizes the corruption
of the 1920s.

• Ashes cover everything in the area.
• Fitzgerald describes it as dismal and a
  wasteland.
• Nick crosses deliberately to the other side of
  the train when he passes the Valley of the Ashes.
  He wants to get away from the corruption.

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Dr. T. J. Eckelberg symbolizes God.

• The billboard looks over the Valley of the Ashes.
• After discovering her affair, George Wilson tells
  his wife you cant fool God while staring up at
  the billboard.

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The heat in chapter 7 symbolizes trauma and
tension.

• Fitzgerald emphasizes the heat throughout the
  entire chapter where the affairs are discovered
  and Myrtle is killed.

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Gold and silver symbolize wealth.

• Gatsby wears a suit with a silver shirt and a
  gold tie to the meeting with Daisy to impress her
  with his vast wealth.

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Green symbolizes jealousy.

• Fitzgerald describes George Wilsons face as
  green after he discovers Myrtles affair.

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Blue symbolizes dreams.

• During the first party that Nick attends Gatsbys
  gardens are described as blue.
• Also, after a party, Gatsby sends a guest a gas
  blue dress after her dress is torn.

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Yellow symbolizes greed and wealth.

• The twins at Gatsbys party are dressed in
  yellow.
• Gatsbys car is yellow.