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Essay / Symbols and Symbolism: Houses and Cars in The Great Gatsby
Table of ContentsThe Symbolism of Gatsby's HouseThe Symbolism of CarsConclusionBibliographyThe Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a novel filled with rich symbolism that enhances its themes and deepens its narrative. One of the novel's most prominent symbols is Gatsby's house, which represents both the emptiness of the American dream and the facade of wealth and success. Additionally, cars play an important role in the story, symbolizing the quest for freedom, status and carefreeness. By examining the symbolism of houses and cars in The Great Gatsby, we can better understand the character motivations and societal values depicted in the novel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The Symbolism of Gatsby's House Gatsby's House is a large, extravagant mansion located in West Egg, symbolizing the opulence and excess of the Roaring Twenties. However, beneath its glamorous facade, the house represents the emptiness and superficiality of the American dream. Gatsby's house is described as having "a tower on one side, brand new under a fine beard of raw ivy, a marble swimming pool, and more than forty acres of lawn and garden" (Fitzgerald 5). This description highlights the superficiality of wealth and material possessions. The house is also strategically located, right across the bay from Daisy Buchanan's house. Gatsby buys the mansion in hopes of attracting Daisy's attention and ultimately winning her back. However, this act of acquiring wealth and throwing extravagant parties is just a facade to hide Gatsby's true origins and gain access to the upper class. The constant parties and revelries held in the house further emphasize its symbolism as a place of superficiality and pleasure-seeking. Gatsby's house stands in stark contrast to the modest, unassuming homes of Nick Carraway and Tom Buchanan. While Gatsby's house is full of luxurious amenities and excess, Nick's little cottage represents simplicity and authenticity. This juxtaposition highlights the emptiness inherent in Gatsby's materialistic activities. In addition to representing the illusion of the American dream, Gatsby's house symbolizes the isolation and loneliness that wealth can bring. Although he is surrounded by people at his extravagant parties, Gatsby remains distant and disconnected from his guests. The house becomes a symbol of his inability to form real connections and his perpetual desire for Daisy's love. The Symbolism of Cars Cars, a relatively new invention in the 1920s, play an important role in The Great Gatsby, symbolizing the pursuit of freedom, status, and recklessness. The novel's characters use cars to escape their mundane lives, seek excitement, and assert their social status. The most striking example of automotive symbolism is Gatsby's luxurious yellow Rolls-Royce. The car symbolizes Gatsby's wealth and success, serving as a visible representation of his newly acquired status. It also represents Gatsby's desire for mobility and freedom, who uses the car to pursue Daisy and assert his presence in her life. On the other hand, Tom Buchanan's car, a powerful and aggressive vehicle, represents his dominance and toxic masculinity. Tom uses his car to exert his power and control, as demonstrated when he runs over Myrtle Wilson, his mistress, in a fit of rage. This tragic incident highlights the destructive consequences of unchecked power and recklessness. Additionally, the motif of cars in the novel., 2004.