Tuesday, May 5, 2009

The importance of symbols in "The Great Gatsby"

Hi! I want you to read what I have written up to now in my paper and write a comment so that I know if I´m going on the right track or if I should start all over again. Thanks! Anto..
Introduction
Symbols are representations of reality, complex concepts or ideas. They can be objects pictures or even written and spoken words. The meanings those symbols carry are influenced by many factors, such as people’s thoughts and experiences, culture, specific historical contexts, or political, educational and religious beliefs. Some symbols are universally known since they represent the same things with the same meanings all over the world, while others, such as the ones which are present in literature, convey an author’s more personal view or interpretation of things and ideas.
Thesis Paragraph
The Great Gatsby presents a great number of symbols which characterise not only the American Society in the 1920s and the story itself, but also Fitzgerald’s own writing and beliefs. Among those symbols, three of them are recognised as the most important ones since they are very closely related to the main topics and ideas of the novel. Those are: the American Dream, Colours and the Eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg in the valley of ashes.