Monday, April 30, 2012

The Great Gatsby (9) - Symbol

"Standing behind him Michaelis saw with a shock that he was looking at the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg which had just emerged pale and enormous from the dissolving night." (pg. 167)

The eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg are an important symbol.  The billboard had a constant presence in the story.  Whenever they went into the city, Nick mentioned something about the eyes.  Dr. T. J. Eckleburg's eyes symbolize God.  They are always present and watching the characters' action.  But they are only watching; they do not interfere in the characters' lives.  Dr. Eckleburg watches the characters have affairs and even Myrtle's death, but does not step in to stop any of it.  God acts in the same way - He is always watching over us but never takes away our free will.  Wilson seems to realize this when he said, "God sees everything." as he looked at the billboard of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg.

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