In F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, water imagery plays a significant role in the development of the novel's themes and the characterization of its characters. Throughout the novel, water is associated with various themes, such as the passage of time, the American Dream, and the corrupting influence of wealth. Additionally, the use of water imagery helps to highlight the moral decline of the novel's characters and their ultimate downfall.
One of the most prominent themes associated with water imagery in The Great Gatsby is the passage of time. Water is often used to symbolize the passage of time in literature, as it is constantly moving and changing, much like the passage of time. In The Great Gatsby, this is evident in the recurring imagery of the East and West Egg as islands, surrounded by water. This imagery suggests that the characters in the novel are isolated from the rest of the world, and are unable to escape the passing of time.
Another significant theme associated with water imagery in The Great Gatsby is the American Dream. The novel's setting, the East Coast of the United States, is associated with the promise of opportunity and prosperity. This is symbolized by the vast expanse of the ocean, which represents the potential for success and the limitless possibilities of the American Dream. However, the use of water imagery also serves to highlight the corrupting influence of wealth and the ultimate emptiness of the American Dream. As the characters in the novel become more wealthy and consumed by their desire for material success, they also become more isolated and disconnected from each other and from their own sense of morality.
In addition to its themes, the use of water imagery in The Great Gatsby also serves to highlight the moral decline of the novel's characters. The vast expanse of the ocean, which initially represents the promise of the American Dream, eventually becomes a symbol of the characters' moral decay. For example, Tom Buchanan's mistress, Myrtle Wilson, is killed when she is hit by a car driven by Tom's mistress, Daisy Buchanan. The accident takes place on a road that runs along the edge of the ocean, suggesting that the characters' moral deterioration has led them to a point of no return.
In conclusion, water imagery plays a significant role in the development of the themes and characterization in The Great Gatsby. The use of water imagery serves to highlight the passage of time, the corrupting influence of wealth, and the moral decline of the novel's characters. It also serves as a symbol of the emptiness of the American Dream and the ultimate downfall of the characters.
