2009. A symbol is an object, action, or event that represents something or that creates a range of associations beyond itself. In literary works a symbol can express an idea, clarify meaning, or enlarge literal meaning. Select a novel or play and, focusing on one symbol, write an essay analyzing how that symbol functions in the work and what it reveals about the characters or themes of the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.
The Great Gatsby by Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald is a novel about an extremely wealthy society. Although the elite and upper class may seem happier and better than lower classes, Fitzgerald uses symbols to show that this is not the case.
One of the most significant symbol is geography. The society is broken up into two places: the East Egg and the West Egg. The East Egg is where the "old rich" live. It represents a classy, fashionable, and elegant society. The West Egg is where the "new rich" live. It represents an extravagant, lavish, and unfashionable society.
Although the characters of the East Egg are considered better than the characters of the West Egg, they are not as satisfied nor happy. For example, Daisy was from the East Egg and even though she loved Gatsby (from the West Egg), she chose to marry her second choice, Tom Buchanan, because Gatsby was at war and Tom was extremely wealthy. Also, Gatsby orginally thought Daisy was the definition of perfection: beautiful, graceful, charming, and wealthy. This was partially because she lived in the East Egg, but was also primarily because Gatsby put her on a pedastle (since he was in love with her). However, Daisy's personality was far from perfection. She was cynicle, uncaring, and shallow. Although Jay Gatsby was from the West Egg, he was a much better person: loyal, kind, and persistant.
In addition, Nick Carraway from the West Egg was an honest, hardworking man while the lady he was pursuing, Jordan Baker from the East Egg, was dishonest and selfish. At the end of the story, Nick realizes that the glitz and glam of the Eggs in New York were not worth the immoral people and events that also happened. Nick moves back to the Midwest for a calmer and more modest lifestyle.
The differences in the characters of the two Eggs are extreme. It is evident that Gatsby lives a better and happier life, although he is of the West Egg. Fitzgerald uses these symbols to show that no matter where you are from and what social class you are, you can still live a great life.
Hi Julie,
ReplyDeleteThis is very well-written, the organization is great, and you use good details! I think it's really funny because I chose a very similar prompt, but I focused primarily on the Valley of Ashes between the eggs.
I just have one concern. It's been a while since I've read this book, but (this is about one sentence: "It is evident that Gatsby lives a better and happier life, although he is of the West Egg.") to my remembrance Gatsby didn't live a very happy life. I think he was always longing for that perfection to impress Daisy and he was never really satisfied with himself. He got rich for her and threw big parties in the hopes that she would attend one. I think it was all "fake" happiness.
But, nevertheless ,all in all good essay! I would just take that one sentence out.
I agree with Stacy, this was a very well written essay. I've never read the book before, but I was able to understand what was going on through your descriptions of the characters and where they come from. Your descriptions and details are clear and easy for me to understand and, like Stacy said, you have great organization. There really isn't much for me to comment on here, nice work!
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