This undergraduate thesis provides a brief analysis of the complicated symbol system of F. Scott Fiztgerald’s world-famous novel, The Great Gatsby (1925). The first chapter of my thesis focuses on the analysis of the parallels between the writer, F. Scott Fitzgerald himself and his characters in The Great Gatsby. I will demonstrate that the events in the story, the background and the point of view of his characters show parallels with the author’s own life. Chapter II deals with the settings of the story through the analysis of time and place the events take place in. I will show a real picture about the circumstances the story is built around. Where the huge differences between the West and the East, and the deadness of the Valley of Ashes determines the abortion of human endevours.
Chapter III is about the symbols of the American Dream itself, about the everlasting green light coming from the protagonist’s lover’s dock. About the belief in hopes and dreams and watching them fall apart. Last but not least Chapter 4 is an analysis of themes, with a special focus on the contrast between materialism and idealism. I will describe the sharp contrast between the world of luxury, wealth and endless parties, and the world of illusions and everlasting dreams.