2009. A symbol is an object, action, or event that represents something or that creates a range of associations beyond itself. In literary works a symbol can express an idea, clarify meaning, or enlarge literal meaning. Select a novel or play and, focusing on one symbol, write an essay analyzing how that symbol functions in the work and what it reveals about the characters or themes of the work as a whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.
Symbols are major part of any literary works; it enhances the overall meaning of piece extending the work to a new level. When an author chooses any aspect of literary work, whether it is the setting, names, accessories of room or names of characters there is always a motive behind. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is an American classic which embodies various symbols through the novel. Fitzgerald's use of color symbolism is prominent throughout The Great Gatsby. Each color from the color of a cab to the flowers in Gatsby's house. The colors reflect deeper meanings about a situation or personality of a character.
Gatsby's love, Daisy, means the world to him. He spent every waking moment of his life living in the past and tried to find a way to win her back. Daisy was always described to be wearing the color white. The color white is generally associated with innocence and pureness. However, under that top coat, Daisy was neither innocent nor pure; she shed light into her greediness and importance for wealth. She was more interested in the material goods than the intangible aspects.
Fitzgerald displays the lifestyles and mannerism of the upperclass and middle class. When Daisy's husband, Tom escapes away into the city, he meets up with his cheap, classless mistress Myrtle. She is always trying to live the high life that Daisy has. One night in the city, Myrtle is adamant about riding in a purple taxi. Purple is often associated with royalty and richness and Myrtle isn't royalty nor does she have wealth. Since Myrtle and her husband George live in the Valley of Ashes, Fitzgerald uses this opportunity to get cross the message that where they live is like dull and dirty. The word ashes seems to have the feeling of dark and dirty. Dark and dirty is just how Myrtle's life is until she has the chance to escape into the city with Tom. Sadly her efforts to live like Daisy leads her to have her life taken away.
Fitzgerald has carefully chosen every aspect of his book to have a meaning. Color symbolism is just one technique used to showcase his hidden meanings.
I think my favorite part of this essay was the first paragraph. Your opening was wonderful! I liked your connection of Daisy and white, and how she doesn't quite fit the usual meaning of white as a symbol. It might be good to mention irony explicitly, even though you implied it. I also think a little more detail on *why* she doesn't fit might be good, too. Your analysis of the Valley of Ashes doesn't seem to quite fit with your thesis. I understand what you're saying, but it doesn't have much to do with color. One last thing I would suggest is double checking extra or forgotten words. I noticed a lot of places where there was obviously something missing, especially in the first few sentences of the opening paragraph.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Brianna: your opening is awesome. Also, I have never read the Great Gatsby so I appreciate your little summary of Daisy's personality so that I could appreciate the color symbolism. What color was under that white top coat? Was it gold, the color of wealthy? Was it red, an angry, greedy color? Your second example is very good and leaves me wanting more examples. Maybe one or two more examples would really solidify your thesis. Also, maybe a longer conclusion would help balance the essay.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read so I can't support your ideas with evidence, but I can say that your essay did seem to support it very well. The examples clearly matched what you were having them support, but I saw some things that could make the essay even better. For one, the thesis is a little iffy and should be made more concise. It was difficult to understand when put with the introduction-- you introduced multiple ways of analyzing the work but then just mention one in your thesis. Just mention one in the introduction. I also think that you should elaborate more on the symbol daisy is. I have never read the book and don't know the character, so giving examples of how she is innocent on the outside but not on the inside would make the statement stronger. It was a good idea, but I think needs more detail to be stronger. Overall very good essay for 40 minutes though.
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