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The Great Gatsby - Bob Gu (Symbols (Gatsby's books (They are uncut,…
The Great Gatsby - Bob Gu
Narrative
The story's narration is made by Nick Carraway, who is not the center of the story. He is a peripheral narrator who is always on the outside looking inside. He is a non-judgmental narrator.
Character
Jay Gatsby
The protagonist of this book. A fairly wealthy man who is in love with Daisy Buchanan and wants to win her back. On one hand, he is a lovesick soldier representing hope and authenticity, on the other hand, he is a crooked business man representing greed and moral corruption.
Nick Carraway
The narrator of the story. Neighbor of Jay Gatsby. He was told to help Gatsby reunite with Daisy. Honest and tolerant.
Daisy Buchanan
Nick Carraway's cousin, beautiful and mesmerizing, but shallow, bored and sardonic. In love with money, ease, and material luxury.
Jordan Baker
Daisy's friend. Her cynicism, boredom and dishonesty are in contrast with her wealth and beauty. This surface of glamour covers her inner emptiness.
Tom Buchanan
Daisy's husband who is openly engaging in an affair.
Themes
The decay of the American society and the American Dream. The American Dream was supposed to be independence and hard work, but it ends up being materialism, a constant pursuit of wealth and hedonism.
Symbols
Gatsby's books
They are uncut, which means they are not read by Gatsby. Although he owns shelfs of books, he hasn't personally read them. These books are just the facade of Gatsby's intention to get recognized as well-educated. The uncut books also represents Gatsby's hypocrisy.
T. J. Eckleburg
His eyes always looking down on the valley of ashes. He is like God staring down the decaying American society.
Green light
It is the light from Daisy's dock. It represents Gatsby's inner yearning to reunite with Daisy. Also represents the American Dream, and the individualism and materialism that dominates the 1920s society.
The Valley of Ashes
It represents the the moral and social decay that results from the uninhibited pursuit of wealth.
East Egg
Represents old money, breeding, taste, aristocracy, and leisure
West Egg
Represents new money, ostentation, garishness, and the flashy manners of the new rich.
The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby is suggestive of a performer or magician. Emphasizing the theatrical and illusory quality of Gatsby's life.