The Beauty of Symbolism in The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald

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Classic novels are called classics for a reason; and in the case of the great Gatsby, it has been justly named so by millions for an infinite number of reasons- but it’s greatest reason is the beauty in it’s symbolism. It is the plethora of symbols and themes and metaphors that the pages of this book swell to great-hood in, that renders this book capable of being nothing more, than a masterpiece. Primarily a classic novel is either a representation of morals and ideals that have been socially supported throughout history, or a revolutionary goal that the author hopes to achieve. They have storylines and characters that are ageless and timeless in how easily they are related to by millions, and ideas that make reading them a pleasure. The Great Gatsby is one of many stories that have been read and reread, taught and retaught, for generations of young and old alike for the sole reason that they are good. There is no denying that the actual story within the hallowed pages of this book is one of sorrow that many can relate to, and all can feel. As the story is told we journey through the romantic tragedy of Jay Gatsby, a man who finds himself to be thoroughly in love with a woman he can not have, as seen through the eyes of Nick Carraway. Nick is a rare narrator who can be trusted to show honesty and a lack of opinion in all regards save for Gatsby himself: to whom Nick shows a great deal of respect, admiration, and affection. One could go so far as to say Nick loved Gatsby for the broken man he truly was. It is rather well known to those who’ve read The Great Gatsby that the character Daisy is symbolic of the author’s own wife Zelda, and that the story itself is dedicated to her. Fitzgerald himself however is often assumed to be r... ... middle of paper ... ...uly see people for who and what they are; for even with these immoralities and corruptions, humans are a lovely and simple set of creatures and one must purge themselves of preconceived notions to truly understand them. The Great Gatsby has a phenomenal way of teaching us this idea, while interlaced within the tragic tale of a man in love with a married woman. A man who’s fought his way into riches in hopes that he be worth her returned affections. It is a true classic of meta-emotional and meta-psychological cognition that makes it worthy of reading throughout the ages. In the words of Matthew J. Bruccoli, writer of the book’s preface, “The Great Gatsby does not proclaim the nobility of the human spirit; it is not politically correct; it does not reveal how to solve the problems of life; it delivers no fashionable or comforting messages. It is just a masterpiece.”

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