This blog is written as a task assigned by the head of the Department of English (MKBU), Prof. and Dr. Dilip Barad Sir. Here is the link to the professor's research article for background reading: Click here.
Here is the link to the blog: Click here.
The Great Gatsby
Novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Question : Read the article on the Book cover art and its connection to the novel's themes - and write your understanding of the symbolic significance of the book cover.
The Symbolic Significance of the Book Cover Art in The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is a literary masterpiece that explores themes of ambition, love, wealth, and the elusive American Dream. While the novel itself is rich with symbolism, the book cover art—often overlooked—plays a crucial role in encapsulating these themes visually. The most iconic cover for The Great Gatsby is the original 1925 design by Francis Cugat, which features a pair of disembodied eyes and a mouth floating over a blue, night-time cityscape. This haunting image is not merely decorative; it serves as a visual gateway into the novel’s deeper meanings. As a postgraduate student, I find the cover art to be a profound representation of the novel’s central themes, and its symbolic significance is worth exploring in detail.
The Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg: A Window into the Soul of the Novel
The most striking element of the cover art is the pair of eyes, which are widely interpreted as a representation of the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, a recurring symbol in the novel. In the story, these eyes are depicted on a faded billboard in the Valley of Ashes, a desolate area between West Egg and New York City. The eyes are described as "blue and gigantic," looking out over the moral decay and corruption of the characters.
On the book cover, the eyes are similarly haunting, with a sense of omniscience and judgment. They seem to gaze directly at the reader, evoking a feeling of unease and introspection. This mirrors the novel’s exploration of morality and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The eyes serve as a reminder that, despite the characters’ attempts to escape their pasts or justify their actions, they are constantly being watched—not just by society, but by their own consciences.
The disembodied nature of the eyes on the cover also reflects the detachment and isolation that many of the characters experience. Gatsby, for all his wealth and grandeur, is ultimately alone, chasing a dream that is forever out of reach. The eyes, floating without a face, symbolize this sense of disconnection and the emptiness that lies beneath the surface of the Jazz Age’s glittering facade.
The Cityscape: The Illusion of the American Dream
Beneath the eyes on the cover art is a cityscape, bathed in a deep blue hue. The city represents the promise of the American Dream—a place where anyone can achieve success and happiness through hard work and determination. However, the blue tint of the cityscape suggests a sense of melancholy and illusion. It is not the vibrant, golden city of opportunity that Gatsby and others envision, but a cold, distant mirage.
This imagery ties directly into the novel’s critique of the American Dream. Gatsby’s rise from poverty to wealth seems to embody the ideal of self-made success, but his story ultimately ends in tragedy. The city on the cover, with its ethereal and unattainable quality, reflects the hollowness of Gatsby’s dream and the broader disillusionment of the era. The American Dream, as depicted in the novel, is not a tangible reality but a fleeting illusion, much like the cityscape on the cover.
The Mouth: Silence and Unspoken Desires
The inclusion of a mouth on the cover art is less immediately obvious but equally significant. The mouth, with its slightly open, almost mournful expression, suggests a sense of unspoken longing and suppressed emotions. This ties into the novel’s exploration of communication—or the lack thereof—between characters. Gatsby’s inability to express his true feelings to Daisy, and Daisy’s own silence about her emotions, are central to the story’s tragic outcome.
The mouth also symbolizes the characters’ inability to articulate their desires and fears. Gatsby’s dream of reuniting with Daisy is never fully realized because it exists more in his imagination than in reality. Similarly, the other characters are trapped in a world of superficiality, where genuine communication is rare. The mouth on the cover, floating in isolation, captures this theme of unspoken desires and the barriers that prevent true connection.
The Color Palette: Mood and Atmosphere
The color palette of the cover art—dominated by shades of blue and black—creates a mood of melancholy and mystery. Blue is often associated with dreams, illusions, and unattainable ideals, all of which are central to the novel. The darkness of the night sky and the cityscape suggests the moral ambiguity and moral decay that pervade the story.
The use of color also reflects the duality of the Jazz Age—a time of both exuberance and despair. The bright lights of the city, hinted at in the cover art, symbolize the glamour and excitement of the era, while the darkness represents the underlying corruption and emptiness. This duality is a recurring theme in the novel, as characters like Gatsby and Daisy are drawn to the glittering surface of wealth and status, only to find that it masks a deeper void.
Conclusion: The Cover as a Microcosm of the Novel
In conclusion, the book cover art for The Great Gatsby is far more than a decorative element; it is a visual representation of the novel’s core themes and symbols. The eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, the distant cityscape, the mournful mouth, and the evocative color palette all work together to create a sense of longing, disillusionment, and moral ambiguity. As a postgraduate student, I see the cover as a microcosm of the novel itself—a work of art that captures the essence of Fitzgerald’s critique of the American Dream and the human condition.
The cover invites readers to look beyond the surface, just as the novel challenges us to see beyond the glittering facade of the Jazz Age. It serves as a reminder that, like Gatsby’s dream, the things we chase are often illusions, and the eyes that watch us are not just those of society, but of our own inner selves. In this way, the cover art is not just an introduction to the novel, but a reflection of its enduring relevance and power.
Question : Write about 'Understanding Jay Gatsby's character' [Watch two short videos for the ideas i.e. (i) Understanding J. Gatsby and (ii) Psychoanalytical Study - Shame (guilt) and Grief.
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby presents one of the most enigmatic and tragic figures in American literature—Jay Gatsby. Beneath the surface of his immense wealth, extravagant parties, and larger-than-life persona lies a man deeply tormented by shame and grief. Understanding Gatsby’s character requires delving into his psyche, examining the driving forces behind his actions, and acknowledging the tragic consequences of his inability to let go of the past.
The Dual Forces of Shame and Grief
A critical lens through which Gatsby’s character can be examined is the interplay between shame and grief. Unlike guilt, which stems from a wrongdoing, shame is rooted in self-perception and a sense of personal inadequacy. Gatsby’s shame originates from his humble beginnings in North Dakota, which he desperately seeks to erase by fabricating a grand identity. His transformation from James Gatz into Jay Gatsby is not just a reinvention—it is an escape from the shame of being the son of unsuccessful farmers. By amassing great wealth and throwing lavish parties, he attempts to prove his worth, both to himself and to the world, particularly to Daisy Buchanan.
However, Gatsby’s shame is intricately intertwined with grief. His longing for Daisy is not merely a romantic obsession but a deep-seated grief over the loss of an idealized past. He yearns not just for Daisy, but for a time when he felt hope, love, and a sense of belonging. This grief manifests in his desperate attempts to stop time, as symbolized by his near destruction of the clock during his reunion with Daisy. His inability to accept the passage of time keeps him trapped in a cycle of nostalgia and longing, preventing him from moving forward.
The Tragic Pursuit of the Past
One of Gatsby’s defining traits is his relentless pursuit of an unattainable dream. The green light at the end of Daisy’s dock serves as a powerful symbol of this pursuit, representing not only his desire for Daisy but also the broader theme of the American Dream—an ideal that often remains just out of reach. Gatsby’s belief that he can recreate the past is tragically flawed; he fails to recognize that time has changed both himself and Daisy. His inability to see Daisy as she truly is, rather than as the idealized version he holds in his mind, leads to his eventual downfall.
This distorted perception is further reinforced by his extravagant displays of wealth. Gatsby’s parties, attended by people who barely know him, serve as a façade to mask his inner emptiness. His wealth is not an end in itself but a means to an end—winning back Daisy and proving his worth. However, this pursuit only highlights the superficial nature of the society he inhabits, where status and appearance take precedence over genuine connection and morality.
Fear of Judgment and the Watchful Eyes
Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald uses the motif of eyes to symbolize judgment and perception. The eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg loom over the Valley of Ashes, serving as an unblinking witness to the moral decay of the era. For Gatsby, the fear of judgment extends beyond society’s gaze to his own self-perception. His entire identity is constructed on the belief that he must become someone worthy of admiration and love, yet deep down, he remains haunted by the fear that his true self is inadequate.
The difference between Gatsby and other characters in the novel lies in their reactions to judgment. While Tom and Daisy Buchanan remain indifferent to the consequences of their actions, Gatsby is acutely aware of how he is perceived. This psychological burden adds to his tragic nature, as he continuously seeks validation from a world that ultimately discards him.
The Symbolism of Time and Gatsby’s Fate
Time is an overarching theme in The Great Gatsby, particularly in relation to Gatsby’s character. His belief that he can turn back time and reclaim his past happiness with Daisy is central to his tragedy. The novel repeatedly emphasizes that time is irreversible—Nick Carraway reminds Gatsby that “you can’t repeat the past,” yet Gatsby insists, “Why of course you can!” This fatal flaw—his refusal to accept reality—seals his fate.
His tragic journey reaches its climax when Daisy chooses to remain with Tom, shattering Gatsby’s dream. Despite his efforts, he is left alone, waiting for a call that never comes. His death, occurring in near solitude, underscores the futility of his relentless pursuit. The society that once admired his wealth quickly forgets him, exposing the hollowness of the world he sought to conquer.
Conclusion: The Timeless Tragedy of Jay Gatsby
Gatsby’s character is a masterful study in contrasts—hope and despair, grandeur and vulnerability, ambition and self-destruction. His journey is one of relentless striving, driven by deep-seated shame and an inability to process grief. In his pursuit of love, success, and validation, he ultimately becomes a tragic symbol of the American Dream’s elusive nature.
Through Gatsby, Fitzgerald critiques not only the moral and social decay of the Jazz Age but also the inherent human tendency to chase unattainable ideals. Gatsby’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the dangers of living in the past, the weight of societal expectations, and the tragic consequences of failing to accept the reality of time’s passage. His character continues to resonate with readers today, making him one of literature’s most enduring and complex figures.
Question : How faithful is Luhrmann's film adaption to the original novel?
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby (1925) is a literary masterpiece that captures the essence of the Jazz Age, exploring themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. The novel has seen multiple film adaptations, but Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 version, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Jay Gatsby, Carey Mulligan as Daisy Buchanan, and Tobey Maguire as Nick Carraway, is among the most visually striking. The question remains: How faithful is Luhrmann’s adaptation to the original novel?
Narrative Faithfulness
One of the most crucial aspects of any adaptation is its adherence to the source material’s plot and narrative structure. Luhrmann retains the core storyline of Fitzgerald’s novel: Nick Carraway, a Yale graduate and World War I veteran, moves to West Egg and becomes entangled in the extravagant world of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious millionaire obsessed with rekindling his past love with Daisy Buchanan. The film preserves most key events from the novel, including Gatsby’s lavish parties, his reunion with Daisy, the confrontation at the Plaza Hotel, and the tragic ending.
However, there are certain modifications. In the film, Nick narrates the story from a sanitarium, where he is being treated for alcoholism and depression. This framing device is absent in the novel, where Nick simply recounts his experiences from a reflective standpoint. Luhrmann’s choice adds a psychological depth to Nick’s character but diverges from Fitzgerald’s original presentation of him as an observer rather than a patient.
Character Portrayals
Luhrmann’s adaptation largely stays true to Fitzgerald’s characterizations, though certain elements are exaggerated for cinematic appeal.
Jay Gatsby (Leonardo DiCaprio): DiCaprio captures Gatsby’s charisma, ambition, and deep longing for Daisy. His delivery of the famous phrase “old sport” mirrors Gatsby’s affected mannerisms in the novel. However, the film slightly amplifies Gatsby’s desperation and emotional vulnerability, making his character appear more openly fragile than Fitzgerald’s version, who is enigmatic and composed.
Daisy Buchanan (Carey Mulligan): Daisy’s portrayal in the film aligns with the novel’s depiction of her as charming yet superficial, torn between Gatsby and Tom. However, some critics argue that the film romanticizes her more than Fitzgerald intended, making her seem more innocent rather than complicit in Gatsby’s downfall.
Nick Carraway (Tobey Maguire): Maguire’s Nick serves as the film’s narrator, maintaining his role as the moral center of the story. The addition of the sanitarium frame alters his character slightly, suggesting a deeper psychological toll from his experiences than the novel explicitly states.
Tom Buchanan (Joel Edgerton) and Myrtle Wilson (Isla Fisher): Tom’s arrogance and hypocrisy are well captured, and Myrtle’s portrayal as a desperate, reckless woman aligns with the novel. However, the film emphasizes Tom’s brutality more explicitly.
Visual and Stylistic Choices
Luhrmann’s signature style is flamboyant and energetic, which both enhances and distracts from Fitzgerald’s themes. The extravagant party scenes, filled with modern hip-hop music (notably Jay-Z’s soundtrack), contrast with the 1920s setting. While this choice was meant to make the film more accessible to contemporary audiences, it departs from the novel’s historical authenticity. Fitzgerald’s novel critiques excess, whereas the film, at times, seems to revel in it.
However, Luhrmann excels in visual symbolism. The green light at Daisy’s dock, Gatsby’s longing gaze, and the ominous eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg are all effectively translated to the screen. These symbols remain as haunting as they are in the novel, preserving Fitzgerald’s themes of unattainable dreams and moral decay.
Dialogue and Themes
Much of the film’s dialogue is lifted directly from the novel, preserving Fitzgerald’s poetic language. Nick’s reflections on Gatsby’s dream, the corruption of wealth, and the illusion of the American Dream remain intact. The film also retains the novel’s melancholic ending, where Nick reflects on Gatsby’s tragic fate and the unattainability of the past.
However, some thematic nuances are lost. The film, with its fast-paced editing and overwhelming visuals, occasionally underplays the novel’s subtler critiques of class, privilege, and social mobility. Fitzgerald’s novel is deeply ironic and layered; Luhrmann’s film sometimes replaces irony with spectacle.
Conclusion: Fidelity vs. Interpretation
While Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby remains largely faithful to Fitzgerald’s novel in terms of plot, character arcs, and major themes, it takes creative liberties in its presentation. The addition of the sanitarium frame, the modernized soundtrack, and the heightened emotional intensity slightly alter the tone of the story. Nevertheless, the film successfully conveys Gatsby’s tragic pursuit of an unattainable dream, ensuring that Fitzgerald’s message endures.
For purists, the adaptation’s stylistic choices might feel excessive. However, as an interpretation, it brings The Great Gatsby to life in a visually stunning and emotionally compelling way, making it an accessible entry point for new audiences while honoring the spirit of the novel.
Question : Write a brief note on the symbolic significance of 'Green Light' and 'Billboard of The Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckelberg'.
The Green Light and the Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg: Unpacking the Symbols of The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is a masterpiece of American literature, renowned for its rich symbolism and exploration of the American Dream. Among its many symbols, two stand out as particularly evocative: the green light at the end of Daisy Buchanan’s dock and the billboard of the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg. These symbols are not just decorative elements; they are central to understanding the novel’s themes of aspiration, disillusionment, and moral decay. Let’s dive into their meanings and how they shape the story.
The Green Light: The Allure and Illusion of the American Dream
The green light is one of the most iconic symbols in The Great Gatsby. It first appears in Chapter 1, when Nick Carraway sees Jay Gatsby standing on his lawn, “stretching out his arms toward the dark water” and trembling as he reaches for “a single green light, minute and far away.” This moment is both poignant and prophetic, encapsulating Gatsby’s dreams and the broader themes of the novel.
What Does the Green Light Symbolize?
Gatsby’s Longing for Daisy: On a personal level, the green light represents Gatsby’s obsessive love for Daisy Buchanan. It is a physical manifestation of his dream to reunite with her and recapture the past. Gatsby associates the light with Daisy, who lives across the bay in East Egg, and it becomes a beacon of hope and desire. However, as Nick observes, Gatsby’s dream is rooted in an idealized version of Daisy and their past relationship—one that can never be fully realized.
The American Dream: On a broader level, the green light symbolizes the American Dream—the belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success and happiness through hard work and determination. Gatsby, a self-made man who rises from poverty to wealth, embodies this ideal. Yet, the green light’s distance and elusiveness suggest that the American Dream is ultimately unattainable. Despite his wealth and status, Gatsby cannot win Daisy’s love or gain acceptance into the old-money elite, highlighting the emptiness and corruption that often lie beneath the surface of the American Dream.
Hope and Disillusionment: The green light also embodies the tension between hope and disillusionment. Gatsby’s relentless pursuit of his dream is both inspiring and tragic. He believes in the “orgastic future” that the green light represents, yet this future continually recedes, always just out of reach. This reflects Fitzgerald’s critique of the human tendency to chase unattainable ideals, only to be left disappointed.
Key Quote:
“Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther…” (Chapter 9).
This passage captures the cyclical nature of hope and disillusionment, as well as the enduring human desire to believe in something greater, even when it remains out of reach.
The Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg: A Haunting Symbol of Moral Decay
If the green light represents hope and aspiration, the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg represent judgment and moral decay. The billboard, featuring a pair of enormous, bespectacled eyes, looms over the Valley of Ashes—a desolate wasteland between West Egg and New York City. This symbol is both eerie and profound, serving as a silent witness to the characters’ actions and the moral emptiness of their world.
What Do the Eyes Symbolize?
Moral Judgment: The eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg are often interpreted as a symbol of divine judgment. Their lifeless yet all-seeing gaze suggests a god-like figure watching over the characters, particularly in the Valley of Ashes, where poverty and moral decay are rampant. George Wilson, distraught over his wife Myrtle’s death, refers to the eyes as “the eyes of God,” believing they see everything and will bring justice. However, the eyes are ultimately just an advertisement, highlighting the spiritual emptiness of the world Fitzgerald depicts.
The Absence of God: In a society dominated by materialism and excess, traditional moral and religious values have been replaced by hollow symbols. The eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, while watchful, do not intervene to prevent the tragedies that unfold in the novel. This suggests that in the world of The Great Gatsby, morality is subjective, and the pursuit of wealth and status has eroded any sense of higher purpose or accountability.
The Valley of Ashes: The billboard’s location in the Valley of Ashes further emphasizes its symbolic significance. The Valley represents the moral and social decay that results from the exploitation of the poor by the rich. The eyes, overlooking this bleak landscape, serve as a constant reminder of the consequences of greed and selfishness.
Key Quote:
“Above the grey land and the spasms of bleak dust which drift endlessly over it, you perceive, after a moment, the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg… They look out of no face, but, instead, from a pair of enormous yellow spectacles which pass over a nonexistent nose” (Chapter 2).
This description underscores the eerie and omnipresent nature of the eyes, as well as their detachment from any human form, reinforcing their symbolic role as a faceless, impersonal judge.
How Do These Symbols Connect?
The green light and the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg are deeply interconnected in their exploration of the novel’s central themes. The green light represents the allure of dreams and aspirations, while the eyes represent the moral consequences of pursuing those dreams in a corrupt and materialistic society. Together, they highlight the tension between hope and despair, idealism and reality, and the moral decay that underpins the American Dream.
Dreams and Consequences: Gatsby’s pursuit of the green light leads to his moral downfall and eventual death, underscoring the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition. The eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, meanwhile, serve as a silent witness to this tragedy, reminding readers of the moral emptiness that accompanies the pursuit of wealth and status.
The Fragility of Ideals: Both symbols emphasize the fragility of human ideals in a world dominated by materialism. Gatsby’s dream is ultimately unattainable, and the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, while watchful, offer no redemption or justice. This reflects Fitzgerald’s critique of the Jazz Age as a period of moral and spiritual decline.
Final Thoughts
In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald uses the green light and the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg to explore the complexities of human ambition, the fragility of dreams, and the moral emptiness of a society driven by wealth and status. The green light symbolizes Gatsby’s unattainable dreams and the broader illusion of the American Dream, while the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg serve as a haunting reminder of the moral and spiritual decay that accompanies the pursuit of material success. Together, these symbols deepen the novel’s critique of the Jazz Age and the enduring human struggle to reconcile dreams with reality.
As readers, we are left to ponder: Are our own “green lights” worth chasing, or are they, too, just illusions? And what moral judgments might we face in our pursuit of them? These questions make The Great Gatsby not just a story of the 1920s, but a timeless exploration of the human condition.
Question: Write a brief note on the theme of 'The American Dream' and 'Class Conflict' in the novel.
Introduction:
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is a profound exploration of the American Dream and the entrenched class divisions of the 1920s. Set against the backdrop of the Jazz Age, the novel delves into the lives of characters who embody the aspirations and failures of a society obsessed with wealth and status. Through the tragic story of Jay Gatsby, Fitzgerald critiques the illusion of the American Dream and exposes the rigid social hierarchies that perpetuate inequality. The themes of the American Dream and class conflict are central to the novel, revealing the moral and social decay beneath the glittering surface of the Roaring Twenties.
The American Dream:
The novel critiques the idealized notion of the American Dream—the belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination. Gatsby, the self-made millionaire, embodies this dream, rising from humble beginnings to immense wealth. However, Fitzgerald reveals the hollowness of this dream through Gatsby's tragic fate. Despite his wealth, Gatsby cannot attain his ultimate goal: winning back Daisy and transcending his past. His dream is ultimately unattainable, as symbolized by the green light at the end of Daisy's dock, which represents an elusive and unreachable ideal. As Nick Carraway reflects, "Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther… And one fine morning—" This line underscores the perpetual deferment of the American Dream, suggesting it is more illusion than reality.
Class Conflict:
The novel also explores the rigid class divisions of 1920s America, highlighting the tension between "old money" (inherited wealth) and "new money" (self-made wealth). The Buchanans, representing old money, look down upon Gatsby, despite his wealth, because he lacks the social pedigree they value. This conflict is evident in Tom Buchanan's disdain for Gatsby, as he dismissively remarks, "I suppose the latest thing is to sit back and let Mr. Nobody from Nowhere make love to your wife." This line encapsulates the elitism and snobbery of the upper class, who view Gatsby as an outsider. The novel suggests that no amount of wealth can bridge the gap between these social classes, as Gatsby's efforts to assimilate into the elite ultimately fail.
Conclusion:
In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald masterfully critiques the American Dream and exposes the deep-rooted class conflicts of his time. Through Gatsby's tragic pursuit of an unattainable ideal and the stark divisions between old and new money, the novel reveals the emptiness of materialism and the moral decay of a society obsessed with wealth and status. Fitzgerald’s portrayal of the American Dream as an elusive and ultimately unfulfilling goal, coupled with his exploration of class barriers, leaves readers with a poignant reflection on the human condition and the enduring inequalities that define American society. The novel remains a timeless critique of the illusions and realities of the American experience.
References:
Barad, Dilip. “Great Gatsby.” Dilip Barad | Teacher Blog, 14 June 2021, blog.dilipbarad.com/2021/06/great-gatsby.html.
DeFife, Jared. “A Psychoanalysis of Jay Gatsby (The Great Gatsby).” YouTube, uploaded by Emory University, 8 May 2013, youtu.be/mId34ZoOilA.
“The Great Gatsby: Book Cover Art and Its Connection to the Novel’s Themes.” ResearchGate, Feb. 2024, https://doi.org/10.13140/RG.2.2.19047.21921.
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