SYMBOLISM IN THE GREAT GATSBY
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A symbol is a concrete object or an idea that has its own meaning but is used to suggest an-
other. Match the following the following objects ideas with one of the symbolic explanations
found below. Include one example from the novel to demonstrate your answer.
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Valley of Ashes / Green Light / Eyes of Dr.T.J. Eckleburg / Automobile / East Egg / West Egg /
Owl-Eyes / Gatsby’s gold tie and silver shirt
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Object/Idea
Symbolic Significance
Example (including page reference)
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Wisdom; the ability to see
beyond appearances.
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Omniscient power, aware of
everything. God is dead.
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Poverty; barrenness;
hopelessness.
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Pretentious. Glittery, but
really an imitation
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Destruction and
recklessness.
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Wealth and material excess.
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Fashionable, affluent.
Old money and values.
