The Green Light
The green light is placed at the end of Daisy’s dock. The light symbolizes Gatsby’s future and his dreams. The light to Gatsby, is associated with Daisy and how he is unable to reach it just like how he is unable to reach it in Chapter 1. Gatsby’s American Dream is to be with Daisy, However, he knows the likeliness of that happening is slim to none, similarly, he being able to reach the green light is impossible.
The Eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg
The eyes represent the diminishing spiritual values in America. The billboard was raised to support the business of an optometrist. The eyes symbolize the increasing commercialism of America – the sole purpose of life in America is to make money, demonstrated by the wealth of people like Tom Buchanan. In the 1920s, a person’s success is measured by the wealth they own, not by the morals they may or may not have.
The Valley of Ashes
Valley of Ashes represents absolute poverty and hopelessness. The eyes suggest the hollowness of the American Dream. Gatsby and Myrtle bootleg and commit adultery respectively. However, the frowning eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg look down on the Valley of the Ashes as if to say that the American Dream is one big lie – the American Dream produced wealth for some (like Gatsby), but for the majority of people, their hopes for gold is just like the ashes.
