The Great Gatsby, a timeless classic by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a novel that is treasured by many. The book is known for its rich, complex characters, layered themes, and intricate symbolism. Among the many symbols in the novel, the billboard in the Valley of Ashes stands out as one of the most enigmatic and intriguing symbols. But what does the billboard symbolize in the Great Gatsby, you may ask? Well, that’s what we are here to explore in this article.
As you delve into the world of The Great Gatsby, you are transported to an era of opulence, decadence and materialism. The billboard in the Valley of Ashes, however, seems to stand in stark contrast to these values. It displays the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, a bespectacled figure who watches over the poverty-stricken district like a god. But why is this billboard so significant? Is it merely a backdrop for the story or is there something deeper going on? These are the questions that we hope to answer as we take a closer look at this iconic symbol.
The eyes on the billboard are often interpreted as a symbol of the loss of spirituality and morality in modern society. They are a reminder of how people have lost sight of the things that matter, such as kindness, compassion, and love. The materialism of the 1920s has blinded people to the deeper meanings of life, leaving them empty and unfulfilled. As you read this article, you will find that the billboard is a powerful symbol that serves as a warning to those who choose to ignore the important things in life. So, let’s dive in and explore this fascinating symbol together!
Wealth and Materialism
In “The Great Gatsby,” wealth and materialism are prominent themes that run throughout the story. The billboard that is featured in the novel is a significant symbol of this emphasis on wealth and materialism. The billboard is located in the “valley of ashes,” a desolate place where the ashes of the wealthy’s excesses are dumped. The billboard features the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, a symbolic figure that represents the all-seeing eyes of God.
The symbolism of the billboard represents the materialistic nature of the characters in the book. Instead of focusing on the eyes of God, the characters are consumed with the desire for wealth and material possessions. They are blinded by their ambitions and fail to connect with the spiritual world.
Examples of Wealth and Materialism in “The Great Gatsby”
- The extravagant parties that Gatsby throws in order to impress Daisy and showcase his wealth
- The obsession with status and wealth that drives many of the characters’ actions
- The belief that money can buy happiness and solve all problems
The Effects of Wealth and Materialism on the Characters
The characters in the novel are consumed with the desire for wealth and material possessions. They are willing to do whatever it takes to attain these things, including lying, cheating, and even murder. This obsession with wealth leads to many of the characters’ downfalls, including Gatsby’s death.
The symbolism of the billboard highlights the negative effects of wealth and materialism. The characters are so consumed with their own desires that they fail to connect with the wider world and the spiritual realm. They are trapped in their own materialistic world, unable to find true happiness and fulfillment.
The Role of the Billboard in the Novel
| Symbolism | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg | The all-seeing eyes of God. Represents the spiritual world that the characters are blind to. |
| The Valley of Ashes | A symbol of the desolate waste created by the wealthy’s excesses. Represents the negative consequences of the characters’ materialistic desires. |
In “The Great Gatsby,” the billboard serves as a powerful symbol of the negative effects of wealth and materialism. The characters are consumed by their own desires and fail to see the wider world around them. The billboard serves as a reminder of the spiritual world that they are blind to, and of the negative consequences of their materialistic desires.
The American Dream
In The Great Gatsby, the billboard symbolizes many things related to the concept of the American Dream, which refers to the idea that everyone has equal opportunities to achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination. Here are some of the ways in which the billboard represents the American Dream:
- Materialism: The billboard promotes the sale of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg’s optometry services, which is a product that people buy in order to improve their vision. This reflects the materialistic aspect of the American Dream, which suggests that success is measured by one’s ability to acquire material possessions, like a new car or a better job.
- Corruption: The billboard is located in the Valley of Ashes, a desolate and impoverished area where people struggle to survive. This juxtaposition between the advertisement for a wealthy optometrist and the poverty of the surrounding community demonstrates the corrupt nature of the American Dream, where success is often gained at the expense of others.
- Hopelessness: The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg on the billboard are described as “watching over” the Valley of Ashes, which suggests that someone is always watching and judging the people who live there. This reinforces the idea that the American Dream is unattainable for many people, leaving them feeling hopeless and powerless to change their situation.
The Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg
The image on the billboard represents the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg, who is a fading relic of the past and a reminder of the changing values of American society during the 1920s. The eyes are described as being “blue and gigantic”, and they “look out of no face, but instead, from a pair of enormous yellow spectacles which pass over a nonexistent nose”. This creates a surreal and ominous atmosphere, suggesting that the eyes represent something more than just a simple advertisement for optometry services.
The eyes are also described as being “brooding” and “watchful”, which suggests that they are a symbol of surveillance and judgment. This reflects the theme of social control and power in the novel, where characters like Gatsby and Tom assert their authority over others through their wealth and influence.
The Significance of the Color Blue
The color blue is used throughout the novel to symbolize various aspects of the American Dream, including the hopelessness and corruption that accompany the pursuit of wealth and status. The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg are described as being blue, which suggests that they represent the changing values of American society during the 1920s, when traditional values were being replaced by a new culture of materialism, excess, and corruption.
| Symbol | Color | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor T.J. Eckleburg’s Eyes | Blue | The changing values of American society during the 1920s. |
| The Water at Daisy’s House | Green | The hope and promise of the future. |
| Gatsby’s Car | Cream | The power and status that come with wealth. |
Overall, the billboard in The Great Gatsby serves as a poignant symbol of the American Dream, reflecting the hopelessness, corruption, and changing values of American society during the 1920s.
Hollowness and Deception
In The Great Gatsby, the billboard symbolizes the hollowness and deception that exist in the lives of the characters. The billboard that features the eyes of T.J. Eckleburg looms over the valley of ashes, a desolate and industrial area where the poor and working-class citizens live. The advertisement for an optometrist is seen as a representation of the crude commercialization of the American Dream. The eyes on the billboard are often seen as God-like and all-knowing, watching the characters’ every move and judging them for their actions.
- Firstly, the eyes on the billboard symbolize the hollowness of the characters’ dreams and desires.
- Secondly, the advertisement plays on the idea of deception and the falsehoods that the characters embody.
- Finally, the billboard represents the destructive nature of the American Dream and the consequences of pursuing it blindly.
The Hollowness of the Characters’ Dreams and Desires
The characters in The Great Gatsby are all chasing after their own versions of the American Dream, but all of them are ultimately left feeling empty and hollow. The eyes on the billboard serve as a reminder that their desires are unattainable and that their dreams are ultimately meaningless. Jay Gatsby, for example, spends his entire life amassing wealth in order to win back his former love, Daisy Buchanan. However, in the end, his pursuit of the American Dream leads to his downfall, and he dies alone and unfulfilled.
The Falsehoods that the Characters Embody
The eyes on the billboard also play into the theme of deception that runs throughout the novel. The characters are all hiding something, whether it’s their true identity or their past mistakes. The billboard serves as a constant reminder that their secrets will eventually be exposed and that they will be held accountable for their actions. The advertisement for the optometrist is a facade that covers up the ugliness of the valley of ashes, much like the masks that the characters wear in order to hide their own flaws and shortcomings.
The Destructive Nature of the American Dream
Overall, the billboard with the eyes of T.J. Eckleburg represents the destructive nature of the American Dream. The characters are all pursuing a vision of success and prosperity that is impossible to attain, and their pursuit of that dream ultimately leads to their downfall. The eyes on the billboard serve as a constant reminder that their desires are unattainable, and that their pursuit of wealth and status is ultimately a hollow and meaningless pursuit. The characters in The Great Gatsby are all living a lie, and the billboard serves as a constant reminder that their deception will eventually catch up with them.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Billboard | Hollowness and deception of American Dream |
| Eyes of T.J. Eckleburg | Represents God-like judgement and all-knowingness |
| Valley of Ashes | Desolate and industrial area where the poor and working-class live and symbolizes the decay of the American Dream |
In conclusion, the billboard with the eyes of T.J. Eckleburg is a powerful symbol in The Great Gatsby that represents the hollowness and deception of the American Dream. The advertisement for an optometrist is seen as a representation of the crude commercialization of the American Dream. The characters’ desires are ultimately meaningless, and their pursuit of wealth and status is a hollow and destructive pursuit that ultimately leads to their downfall. The eyes on the billboard serve as a constant reminder of these truths, watching the characters’ every move and judging them for their actions.
Symbol of Society and Class
In The Great Gatsby, the billboard stands as a symbol of society and class. It represents the values that this society holds dear; materialism and the American Dream. Along with being a symbol of these values, the billboard also serves as a physical reminder of the social and economic divide present during the 1920s.
- The billboard serves as a symbol of the American Dream, which was rooted in the idea of material success and the belief that anyone can achieve it. This idea is reflected in the billboard’s advertisement, which features the smiling face of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg and his large, unblinking eyes. This ad promotes a product intended to give people perfect eyesight, a feature that could be seen as an embodiment of the American Dream’s emphasis on self-improvement through material success.
- However, the billboard is located in the Valley of Ashes, which is a symbol of the plight of the poor and the marginalized during this time period. The residents of this area remain trapped in a cycle of poverty, striving for the American Dream but failing to attain it due to their economic and social circumstances.
- Furthermore, the billboard serves as a constant reminder of the social and economic divide between the East Egg and West Egg communities. The East Egg represents the old aristocracy who have inherited their wealth and maintain their social status through tradition. The West Egg, on the other hand, represents the nouveau riche who have come into wealth through their own efforts, such as Gatsby’s mysterious fortune. The billboard, which stands between these two communities, represents the insurmountable barrier that separates them.
The following table compares the values and beliefs of the East Egg and West Egg communities:
| Value/Belief | East Egg | West Egg |
|---|---|---|
| Tradition | Emphasis on maintaining social standing through inherited wealth and family connections. | Less emphasis on tradition and more on self-made wealth. |
| Class | Belief in the superiority of the old aristocracy. | Belief in the ability to attain social status through self-made wealth. |
| Materialism | Less emphasis on material wealth and more on social standing. | Emphasis on material wealth and the attainment of the American Dream. |
In conclusion, the billboard in The Great Gatsby symbolizes society and class in numerous ways. It represents the American Dream and materialism while serving as a reminder of the economic and social divide between the East and West Egg communities. Ultimately, it highlights the struggle between those who inherit their wealth and those who have come into it on their own.
Lack of Identity
In The Great Gatsby, the billboard symbolizes the lack of identity in the society. The characters in the novel are so focused on their superficial appearances that they lose their true selves.
- The billboard for the eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg is a symbol of the distorted values of society. It depicts a pair of giant blue eyes, which seems to be watching over the people, yet the people are oblivious to its presence. The eyes can be interpreted as the eyes of God or the eyes of the all-seeing state, but they can also be interpreted as the lost souls of the characters, who seem to be searching for something, but they don’t know what.
- The billboard is also a symbol of the consumerist culture of the 1920s, where people were judged by their material possessions rather than their character. The characters in the novel are constantly seeking material success and wealth, which they use as a way to mask their inner insecurities and lack of purpose.
- The billboard is a reminder of the loss of morality and values in the society. The characters in the novel have a distorted sense of right and wrong and they are willing to compromise their integrity in order to achieve their goals. This lack of morality is reflected in the rampant corruption, illegal activities, and deceitful actions that take place throughout the novel.
The Number 5
The number 5 is a recurring motif in The Great Gatsby and it has various meanings throughout the novel.
Firstly, the number 5 represents the five fingers of a hand, which symbolizes the interconnectedness between the characters. The characters in the novel are all linked to each other in some way, and their actions and decisions affect the lives of others.
Secondly, the number 5 is associated with the five senses, which represents the hedonistic and materialistic nature of the society. The characters in the novel are constantly indulging in material pleasures and sensual experiences, which they use as a way to distract themselves from their inner emptiness.
Thirdly, the number 5 is linked to the idea of the American Dream, which is based on the concept of the “five foot shelf of books.” The American Dream is the ideal of achieving success, freedom, and equality through hard work and determination. However, in the novel, the American Dream is portrayed as an illusion, as the characters are never able to attain true happiness and fulfillment, despite their efforts.
| Meaning | Example from the novel |
|---|---|
| Interconnectedness | The characters are linked to each other in some way |
| Hedonism | The characters indulge in material pleasures and sensual experiences |
| American Dream | The ideal of achieving success, freedom, and equality through hard work and determination |
In conclusion, the number 5 is a significant symbol in The Great Gatsby, representing the interconnectedness of characters, the hedonistic nature of the society, and the illusion of the American Dream.
Decay and Fading Glory
One of the most significant symbols in The Great Gatsby is the billboard that overlooks the Valley of Ashes. The billboard originally advertises the services of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, but as the story progresses, it comes to represent the decay and fading glory of the American dream.
- The billboard symbolizes the character’s desperation for a better life. The eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg are constantly watching them, reminding them of their own failures and the fading hope for a better future. The billboard’s presence looms over the Valley of Ashes, a place where the poor and the struggling live.
- As the novel progresses, the billboard also becomes a symbol of moral decay. The eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg represent the loss of values, morals, and ethics in American society. The billboard’s faded paint and general disrepair suggest a lack of concern or care for what it represents.
- The billboard can also be seen as a representation of the fading glory of the American Dream. Gatsby’s pursuit of happiness and wealth is an attempt to achieve this dream, but the billboard represents the reality of what happens when this dream fades and dies. It reminds us that the American Dream is not necessarily a sustainable reality.
The table below further explores the symbolism of the billboard:
| Symbolism | Description |
|---|---|
| Decay | The billboard’s faded paint and disrepair suggest a lack of concern or care for what it represents. It is a symbol of the decay of the American Dream and the loss of values and ethics in American society. |
| Fading Glory | The billboard represents the fading glory of the American Dream. It reminds us that the dream is not necessarily sustainable and that the pursuit of wealth and happiness should not be the sole focus of one’s life. |
| Moral Decay | The eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg symbolize the loss of values, morals, and ethics in American society. They watch over the Valley of Ashes, a place where the poor and the struggling live, and remind the characters of their own failures and loss of hope. |
The billboard is an important literary device in The Great Gatsby. It represents the decay and fading glory of the American Dream, as well as the loss of values and morals in American society. The symbolism of the billboard underscores the novel’s themes of class, wealth, and the pursuit of happiness.
Gatsby’s Obsession
Gatsby’s obsession with Daisy drives him to pursue wealth and status, but there is another recurring motif that symbolizes his desire for her: the number 7.
The number 7 appears numerous times throughout the novel, representing two important things to Gatsby: his hope for a future with Daisy and his nostalgic longing for their past together.
- The most obvious instance is Gatsby’s extravagant parties, which always begin at 7 pm and continue until the early hours of the morning. These parties are his attempts to attract Daisy’s attention and show her the success he has achieved since they last saw each other seven years ago.
- Gatsby’s mansion is also described as having “seven acres of lawn and gardens” (Chapter 2), emphasizing his wealth and the lengths he has gone to impress Daisy.
- In Chapter 5, Gatsby arranges to meet Daisy at his home at 7 pm, which is the moment when their relationship begins to rekindle. This time, however, there is also a sense of sadness and unfulfilled longing, as Gatsby realizes that he cannot truly have Daisy.
- Additionally, Gatsby’s car is referred to as a “circus wagon” (Chapter 4) because of its bright yellow color and its seven windows that allow people to see inside. This detail highlights his desire for attention and his need to impress others, specifically Daisy.
| Symbolism | Gatsby’s Interpretation | Effect on the Story |
|---|---|---|
| The number 7 | Represents Gatsby’s longing for a future with Daisy and his nostalgia for their past together | Emphasizes Gatsby’s obsession with Daisy and the lengths he will go to win her back |
| Gatsby’s parties at 7 pm | Showcases his wealth and success to impress Daisy | Reveals Gatsby’s desperation to attract Daisy’s attention and win her back |
| Gatsby’s car with seven windows | Symbolizes his desire for attention and need to impress Daisy | Highlights Gatsby’s obsession with Daisy and his willingness to spend immense amounts of money to win her back |
In conclusion, the recurring symbol of the number 7 illustrates Gatsby’s obsession with Daisy and his desire for a future with her, as well as his nostalgia for their past together. It highlights his desperation to impress her and the lengths he is willing to go to win her back, ultimately leading to his downfall.
Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg
In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel The Great Gatsby, the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg serve as a significant symbol throughout the story. The eyes are located on a massive billboard overlooking the Valley of Ashes, a desolate area that separates the wealthy residents of West Egg and East Egg from the working-class citizens of New York City.
The eyes have different meanings in the novel, and one interpretation is that they represent the all-seeing eyes of God, watching over the characters and judging their actions. However, the eyes can also be seen as representing the corrupt and materialistic values of the characters in the novel.
The Number 8
The number 8 also plays a significant role in the symbolism of the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg. The eyes themselves are described as being blue and gigantic, but it is the number 8 that ties them to the themes of the novel. The number 8 is prominently featured on the billboard below the eyes, and it is also mentioned in other parts of the story.
- The Great Gatsby is set in the 1920s, a decade that was often referred to as the “Roaring Twenties”. The number 8 can be seen as a reference to the decade, as it resembles the shape of a sideways 8.
- The number 8 can also symbolize infinity, which ties into the theme of the American Dream. The characters in the novel are obsessed with the idea of endlessly accumulating wealth and possessions, and the number 8 can be seen as embodying this desire for infinite abundance.
- Additionally, the number 8 can be interpreted as a symbol of balance and symmetry. In the novel, the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg are described as being identical in shape and size, and the number 8 reinforces this symmetry. However, the balanced image of the eyes is contrasted by the chaos and corruption of the characters’ lives.
The Valley of Ashes
The Valley of Ashes is a wasteland that separates the glittering mansions of the wealthy from the poverty and despair of the working-class citizens of New York City. The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg overlook this desolate area, and they can be seen as a symbol of the characters’ moral decay and the corruption that permeates their lives.
The Valley of Ashes is an industrial area, characterized by smokestacks and factories that spew ash and pollution into the air. This landscape represents the destructive effects of the pursuit of wealth and power, and the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg serve as a constant reminder of the consequences of the characters’ actions.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg | Symbol of God’s all-seeing eyes watching over the characters and judging their actions |
| Number 8 | Symbol of the Roaring Twenties, infinity, and balance |
| Valley of Ashes | Symbol of the destructive effects of the pursuit of wealth and power |
The symbolism surrounding the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg is just one of the many layers of meaning in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel. By exploring the themes and symbols in the story, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations, and the complex world they inhabit.
The Valley of Ashes
The Valley of Ashes in The Great Gatsby symbolizes the desolation and decay of the American Dream. This sub-division between West Egg and New York City is where all the industrial waste and ashes from the city are dumped. It is a grim and desolate place where no life thrives. Although it is a place of immense poverty, it plays a crucial role in the novel, particularly the billboard that overlooks it.
- The Symbolism of the Billboard: The billboard in the Valley of Ashes is a symbol of the hollowness of the American Dream. It is a giant advertisement for the optometrist, Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, with a pair of eyes staring down at the desolate wasteland of the Valley of Ashes. The eyes symbolize the all-seeing eyes of God and represent the loss of spiritual values in a society that is obsessed with material wealth. The eyes are a reminder of the moral decay that the Valley of Ashes represents.
- The Number 9: The number 9 that is mentioned on the billboard is also significant. In numerology, the number 9 is considered the finality of endings. It represents the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new one. In the context of the novel, the number 9 represents the end of the dream that Gatsby had for Daisy. He had spent nine years pining for her and dreaming of their reunion. The number 9 is a reminder that although Gatsby’s dream seemed close to being fulfilled, it was never going to happen.
- The Desolation of the Valley: The desolation of the Valley of Ashes is a stark contrast to the opulence and wealth of West Egg and East Egg. It represents the underbelly of the American Dream and the crushing poverty that exists just outside of the glamourous cities. The Valley of Ashes is home to people like George and Myrtle Wilson who are crushed by the weight of their poverty and shattered dreams.
The Valley of Ashes is an essential part of The Great Gatsby, and it highlights the decay of the American Dream. It reminds us that spiritual emptiness can exist even amidst material wealth. The billboard and the number 9 on it are a stark reminder of the hollowness of Gatsby’s dream and the eventual ending of all things. Fitzgerald’s use of symbolism in the novel is masterful, and the Valley of Ashes is a testament to his genius.
Gatsby’s Tragic Flaw
Gatsby’s tragic flaw is his inability to let go of the past and move forward. He is so fixated on recreating his past with Daisy that he loses sight of reality and the consequences of his actions. This tragic flaw ultimately leads to his downfall.
The Symbolism of the Billboard in The Great Gatsby
- The billboard symbolizes the corruption and moral decay of society during the 1920s.
- The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg represent the loss of spiritual values and the emptiness of the American Dream.
- The advertisement for the optometrist business represents the prioritization of materialism over human values.
The Impact of Gatsby’s Tragic Flaw on the Novel
Gatsby’s tragic flaw not only leads to his own downfall, but also the destruction of the lives of those around him. His obsession with Daisy causes him to involve himself in a criminal lifestyle and engage in reckless behavior, ultimately resulting in the deaths of both Gatsby and Myrtle Wilson.
Through Gatsby’s tragic flaw, F. Scott Fitzgerald critiques the corrupt and morally bankrupt society of the 1920s and warns against the dangers of becoming too consumed with materialism and the pursuit of the American Dream.
The Significance of the Number 10 in The Great Gatsby
The number 10 symbolizes the unattainable perfection that Gatsby is constantly striving for. Throughout the novel, Gatsby is described as having a “rare smile” that made people feel “as though they had him for a minute.” This description appears exactly 10 times in the novel, emphasizing the unattainable nature of Gatsby’s perfection.
| Examples of the “rare smile” description | |
|---|---|
| “[The smile] understood you just as far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself, and assured you that it had precisely the impression of you that, at your best, you hoped to convey.” | |
| “An ecstatic patron of recurrent light, a romantic ready for anything, saw with regret that the frock-coated gentleman, who wasn’t aromantic, was departing.” | |
| “It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life. It faced–or seemed to face–the whole external world for an instant, and then concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in your favor. It understood you just as far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself.” |
The repetition of this description also highlights Gatsby’s desire to control his image and the perceptions of those around him. However, this desire ultimately leads to his downfall as he becomes increasingly isolated and unable to connect with others on a genuine level. FAQs: What Does the Billboard Symbolize in The Great Gatsby?Q1: What is the significance of the billboard in The Great Gatsby?The billboard in The Great Gatsby represents the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, which are described as “blue and gigantic” and appear to be omnipresent in the Valley of Ashes. Q2: How does the billboard relate to the theme of the novel?The billboard symbolizes the loss of spiritual values and the corruption of the American Dream that is central to The Great Gatsby. It serves as a reminder that materialism and greed can lead to the demise of one’s moral compass. Q3: Why is the billboard located in the Valley of Ashes?The Valley of Ashes is a symbol of the moral decay and industrialization that characterized America in the 1920s. The billboard is located in this bleak environment to emphasize the contrast between the decadent lifestyles of the wealthy and the poverty of the working class. Q4: What other symbols are associated with the billboard?The green light across the bay symbolizes Gatsby’s longing for wealth and status, while the valley of ashes represents death, decay, and the futility of pursuing the American Dream. Q5: How does the idea of the “eyes of God” relate to the billboard?The billboard is often interpreted as a representation of the “eyes of God” watching over society, thereby suggesting that the characters in the novel are suffering the consequences of their sins and moral transgressions. Q6: Does the billboard have any historical significance?The billboard was inspired by the real-life billboard advertisements for optometrists that were common in the 1920s. It also reflects the cultural anxieties and spiritual crisis of the post-World War I era. Q7: What is the overall message conveyed by the billboard?The billboard serves as a metaphor for the emptiness and moral decay of American society, as well as the dangers of unchecked materialism and greed. Closing Thoughts: Thanks for Joining Our Discussion!We hope you found our FAQs on the billboard in The Great Gatsby enlightening and informative. The novel is a timeless classic that reveals much about the culture and values of America in the 1920s. We invite you to explore other literary topics on our site and visit again soon! |