The Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg

The first time we see Doctor T.J. Eckleburg's eyes is in chapter 2; they are a pair of eyes painted on a billboard in the valley of ashes. Because these eyes are mentioned in several significant moments of the novel, it is clear that they symbolize something. However, because nothing is explicitly said about the eyes what they symbolize is unclear. The author suggests that symbols only have meaning because people place them meaning. A great example is a rose. Most people say that a rose symbolizes love but actually there is nothing said explicitly on the rose indicating it does so. In the end, it is just a rose. It is seen as a symbol of love because people place that meaning into the rose. Due to this reason the author avoids giving a clear meaning to the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg. It is an 'empty' symbol waiting to be filled by people. It will become a symbol when people start placing meanings into it.  

Post-reading reflection

The Great Gatsby was a very deep novel which affected me greatly. The plot of the story started out slowly with mysteries and then speeded up suddenly. I found the language Fitzgerald uses very complex and at some points, difficult to understand. Though once I got used to it I was able to appreciate the beauty of his words.

I can't say that I really liked reading The Great Gatsby because of its melancholic tone. I thought the story was very depressing, especially after chapter 6. Though I can't say I hated the novel either because it was beautifully written with great themes and symbols in every chapter of the book. Over-all, I am glad to have read such an important and successful novel which portrays beautifully the 1920s America within a very complex love story.

Daisy- Chapter 9

I was devastated when I heard about Gatsby's death but I tried my best to hide it. If Tom knew how I felt, he probably would have slapped me. Because of that reason I choose to supress my feelings. We decided together it would be best to move far away. It's easier to forget things that you don't see so often, I figured in the past few years. Tom and I remained silent about the issue. When I heard the news about Gatsby I didn't even have to mention his name. Tom understood and gave an indifferent response.

Time is what dominates our life the most. With time I was able to forget my love and concentrate more on my responsibilities. My daughter grew; now she can listen to me and talk to me. Tom is the same but I'm used to him. I don't know if he has another girl but I don't care either. In the end, I'm the one he truly cares about. Sometimes you just need to let go of your past, and hold on to your future.

Looking Back

After 2 years, Nick describes the events that happened after Gatsby's death. Unfortunately, rumours about him increased immensely and only a few people attended his funeral. People who Nick thaught were Gatsby's friends simply didn't care which showed that Gatsby didn't have any friends. His only passion in life was related to Daisy therefore he didn't put much effort into obtaining friends. And Daisy chose to disappear with Tom, leaving no signs behind.

Nick decides to move back to the Midwest after these unfortunate events he witnesses. One day in New York, he sees Tom and unwillingly talks to him. He is not pleased with what he hears and decides that neither Tom nor Daisy were worthy enough for Gatsby.

Nick comes to a realization that everyone around the world has similar dreams and similar motives. Everybody has a dream related to the future but is held back by the past.

Daisy- Chapter 8

Life has almost returned to normal. I am very close to forgetting Gatsby and the accident. I think Tom is too, though I am not sure. He prefers to stay silent about the issue, which doesn't bother me at all. Everybody has different methods of solving problems. Sometimes I feel like bringing the topic up, but I can't even try to say her name out loud or his. Some things are better unspoken and sometimes you just have to let time decide what's going to happen next. You can't alter time but time can definitely alter you.

The End of The Great Gatsby

Gatsby sees Daisy as a symbol of everything he values. He has idolized her so much that the love he feels is not actually for Daisy but the Daisy that he has in his mind. Even though it is clear that Daisy has chosen Tom over Gatsby, Gatsby does not want to admit this. He keeps on waiting and fantasasing though all of his dreams are related to the past. Gatsby still cannot accept the existance of time. He wants to stop time and rewind it because he is now obsessed with Daisy. The way Gatsby sees Daisy makes Nick realize that all of the dreams people have are created by their mind. Daisy is a normal woman with nothing unique about her that distinguishes her from the others. However, the Daisy in Gatsby's mind is completly different.

Another motif which comes up in this chapter is the weather. The weather is related to the plot of the novel. In extreme cases of weather, such as the hottest day in summer or unexpected weather, such as the rain, something significant in the plot happens. The weather is also related to time; in every season there is a different weather pattern. When Gatsby tries to swim in the pool he is again trying to control time. Summer has past therefore it is too late to swim but he doesn't want to understand this. He is too determined to hold on to his dream to try to rationally think and his passion leads him to death.

Daisy- Chapter 7

I knew it would end up like this, end unhappily. He wasn't good for me, and he couldn't be because it was just too late. After I had that accident I realized how thoughtless I was acting. I loved Gatsby, more than I did anyone else. But things changed, years passed. I am married now and I have a daughter. I have responsibilities that I can't just forget. I can't leave Tom no matter how hard life is with him. Yes, we have some problems but they are not things we can't talk about. He is the father of my child and the person I spent many years with. I can't run after a dream, not now. I am too old, too mature, and too wise. I can't take those risks and lose what I have now. I have a dependable life, which is what everybody hopes to have one day. Love is just an illusion, just a game and I am too old to play.