... . Critics say that Fitzgerald tells of this corruption in many of his novels, The Great Gatsby included. In order to show this corruption, he uses many symbols to support his cause. In the case of Gatsby, he uses light as a symbol to show our society's "movement into darkness." (Sutton 3) Most ... it goes on, Fitzgerald begins to portray the twenties as an era of decayed social and moral values. This is proven in its overarching cynicism, greed, and empty pursuit of pleasure. Taking place just after First World War, when the story takes place, the United States became intensely disillusi...

• Word Count: 2165
• Approx Pages: 9
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... a corrupt period in history. The Great Gatsby is a description of the decay of the American Dream and the desire for money and materialism. Fitzgerald accomplishes this through the use of symbols such as the Valley of Ashes, the Green Light, Gatsby's house, and the Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg. Mid-way between West Egg and New York City, the Valley of Ashes ... the death of the American Dream. More specifically, they illustrate society and how what was once a pure and honest vision for success quickly turned into greed and selfishness. Consequently everything in the path of this greed bec...

• Word Count: 1611
• Approx Pages: 6
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School