Themes, symbols, and motifs are valuable aspects of any literary work, and they add richness to stories. Part of the Common Core ELA standards is to introduce and explain these complex concepts. However, abstract ideas are often difficult for students to analyze without assistance. Using a storyboard, students can visually demonstrate their understanding of these concepts, and master analysis of literary elements. For best practices, see our supplementary article with specific lesson plan steps on setting up your classroom and activities to teach themes, symbols, and motifs.
In the classroom, students can track the rich symbolism that Fitzgerald uses throughout the novel. In the example storyboard above, there are five archetypal symbols from the book. The most apparent are the green light, the overlooking eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg, the Valley of Ashes, ominous weather, and the division of east vs. west.
The American dream is the idea that no matter a person's background, everyone can achieve their goals through hard work and determination. In The Great Gatsby, Gatsby's dream is to one day be with Daisy. Due to her social class, Gatsby is forced to make a drastic decisions to reach a level of prosperity where he can capture Daisy's affections.
Social class is an integral part of the novel. It is expounded upon at some length by Nick Carroway. It is expected that those in the upper class are to act with dignity, poise, grace, and propriety. Through the eyes of Nick, the reader can see that this is a sham, and those in the upper class are corrupt, deceitful, and carry no remorse for their actions.
Although usually confined to adultery, this can also mean a breach of trust and general disloyalty. Unfaithful and deceptive behavior can be seen from most characters over the course of the novel. Tom, Myrtle, and Daisy all commit adultery; Jordan Baker is a pathological liar and often cheats; Gatsby lies about his past, and about his assets to obtain Daisy; and those who once called Gatsby a friend, even Meyer Wolfshiem, his business partner, ultimately desert and disgrace him by not attending his funeral.
These all-seeing eyes watch the characters in the novel and ultimately act as a judge of their deeds.
Weather is a common symbol in literature. Throughout the novel, various types of weather are used to foreshadow important events. For example, in Chapter Seven, Nick describes a heat wave that has pushed temperatures to “broiling”. This portends the “tumultuous argument” which occurs between Tom and Gatsby in the Plaza Hotel.
The Valley of Ashes is a barren wasteland that separates the Eggs from New York City. It symbolizes the moral and social decay of America, portrayed through the working class.
The division of East Egg from West Egg separates the newly rich from the historically wealthy families. In a way, east and west divides the upper class in two, in a sort of rivalry. East vs. West also touches on Nick's Midwestern roots, as distinct from the other characters, dividing him from their way of life.
The green light symbolizes many things, principally, Gatsby's quest to obtain Daisy. The color of the light could be symbolic of the envy that Gatsby has over Tom, who has Daisy, or it could represent the green of a figurative Garden of Eden in the past.
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Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in The Great Gatsby. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
Ask the students to highlight all the places where symbolism was used to give meaning to a certain situation. Explore the significance of the words used to impart that symbolism.
Engage students in a fun and creative activity of creating three-dimensional dioramas. Students can pick their favorite event from the list they created beforehand. This way they can explore symbolism in a creative way.
Teachers can recommend to students some other forms of symbolism they can explore in order to understand deeper meaning. The best, in this case, would be to recommend some pieces of art such as paintings. This can also help students understand the difference between interpretation and symbolism. Students can create their own artworks using different kinds of symbolism.
Encourage students to identify how symbolism aligns with the real world and how they can connect it with their own life.
Motifs are repeating aspects or concepts that help the book's overarching themes. Although they might not be as visually appealing as symbols, they significantly contribute to the story's moral lessons. For instance, the weather, parties, and eyes are elements in "The Great Gatsby".
Through Gatsby's consuming love for Daisy, "The Great Gatsby" tackles the issue of love and obsession. It informs the audience about the dangers of unmet love and how obsessing over unmet expectations can ruin a person.
Themes from "The Great Gatsby" are still relevant today because they examine common human wants like success, love, and acceptance. The novel's analysis of riches, social standing, and moral deterioration still speaks to problems that exist in contemporary society.
Symbols enhance the subjects of the book by giving complicated concepts and visual representations. For instance, the green light represents Gatsby's hopes and goals, while the doctor's eyes stand for the waning of moral principles and the spiritual emptiness of society.
The weather element in "The Great Gatsby" represents the feelings of the characters and the shifting environments in which they dwell. While rain can represent grief and anxiety, brightness can represent optimism and joy.