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A collection of symbols found in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and their meaning within the text. These symbols come in all forms, from simple objects to locations.

Literary Symbolism: the use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense. Generally, it is an object representing another to give it an entirely different meaning that is much deeper and more significant.

Common Theme of Symbols in The Great Gatsby: Most of the symbolism within The Great Gatsby represents one of two things. The first is the facade or exterior life that Gatsby puts on as well as the facade that all of the wealthy put on. They are never what they seem, always trying to be something more. They are fake. Some can see through this facade, others cannot. A second common theme is deterioration. This is the deterioration of both life and the world in the pursuit of wealth. This deterioration is not just of the poor by the power hungry upper class.Gatsby in many ways is causing himself to deteriorate, and this eventually leads to his death.

Although symbolism is most often held by objects, it can be found in many other elements within The Great Gatsby as well. Symbolism can be found in settings and locations, as well as characters contained within the novel. There is page for each of these, so far including Objects, Locations, and People.