Gatsby Symbols

A list of important symbols from The Great Gatsby.
Download

Gatsby Symbols

Examine the following symbols in The Great Gatsby. Describe the meaning/function of each symbol. Some of the symbols are characters and some of them are actions. Think about all of them in the following way: what is the function/meaning of this symbol?

  1. Gatsby's uncut books/Nick's unread books
  2. Wolfsheim's cufflinks
  3. Gatsby's car/Gatsby's clothes
  4. Tom Buchanan pushing people around/Tom Buchanan quoting things "he's read"
  5. The faded timetable (showing the names of Gatsby's guests)
  6. Anti-semitism, prejudice
  7. Weather
  8. Time, seasons
  9. The ash heap
  10. The green light at the end of Daisy's dock
  11. East versus West Egg
  12. Gatsby's career/Nick's career
  13. Dan Cody
  14. T.J. Eckleberg
  15. Silver and gold (color)
  16. White (color)
  17. Green (color)


Return to The Great Gatsby Index Page.
About the author

TeacherVision Staff

TeacherVision Editorial Staff

The TeacherVision editorial team is comprised of teachers, experts, and content professionals dedicated to bringing you the most accurate and relevant information in the teaching space.

loading gif