what might the eyes of doctor t.j. eckleburg represent

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29-10-2024

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The All-Seeing Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg: A Symbol of Judgement in The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" is a complex and multifaceted novel, riddled with symbolism that adds depth and meaning to the narrative. Among the most prominent and enigmatic symbols is the billboard of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, a disembodied pair of gigantic spectacles gazing down upon the Valley of Ashes. What do these eyes represent?

A Symbol of Moral Judgement:

As explained in a paper by scholar Jonathan Arac, titled "The Great Gatsby: The Eye of God and the Eye of the Beholder," the billboard is a potent symbol of moral judgement. The eyes, overlooking the wasteland of the Valley of Ashes, seem to be constantly watching over the characters, particularly those who are consumed by materialism and moral corruption. The eyes represent a sense of divine judgment, a watchful presence that reminds the characters, and the reader, of the consequences of their actions.

A Commentary on American Society:

The eyes also serve as a commentary on the hypocrisy and moral decay that permeates American society during the Roaring Twenties. The Valley of Ashes, a desolate area inhabited by the working class, symbolizes the forgotten and marginalized in a society obsessed with wealth and superficiality. As James Gindin notes in his article "The Great Gatsby: The World of the Novel," the eyes represent the "unseeing" nature of the wealthy elite who are blind to the suffering of the less fortunate.

The Importance of Perspective:

The billboard's significance lies in its subjective nature. It is open to interpretation, depending on the character's perspective. For Jay Gatsby, who struggles with the illusion of the American Dream, the eyes become a reminder of his own yearning for a past he cannot recapture. For George Wilson, the grieving husband consumed by grief, the eyes offer a sense of comfort, as he believes they are watching over his deceased wife, Myrtle. This ambiguity, as highlighted by Judith Fetterley in her article "The Great Gatsby: An Interpretation," underscores the novel's central theme of disillusionment and the elusive nature of truth.

Adding to the Discussion:

It's interesting to note that the eyes themselves remain anonymous. We don't know who Dr. T.J. Eckleburg is or what he represents. This anonymity adds to the symbol's mystery and allows for a wider range of interpretations.

In conclusion, the billboard of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg in "The Great Gatsby" serves as a powerful symbol that embodies moral judgement, social commentary, and the importance of perspective. By exploring the different interpretations of this enigmatic symbol, readers gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of the characters and the themes that drive the novel.

References:

• Arac, Jonathan. "The Great Gatsby: The Eye of God and the Eye of the Beholder." The American Scholar, vol. 55, no. 2, 1986, pp. 211-224.
• Gindin, James. "The Great Gatsby: The World of the Novel." Twentieth Century Literature, vol. 12, no. 2, 1966, pp. 121-135.
• Fetterley, Judith. "The Great Gatsby: An Interpretation." The American Scholar, vol. 47, no. 1, 1978, pp. 103-112.