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Doctor T.J. Eckleburg's appearance is significant because it occurrs at a time where Daisy Tom and Gatsby all become the most conflicted. Before this part, Diasy tells Tom to "make us a cold drink," and then continues to kiss Gatsby, something Jordan believes to be "vulgar." This scene parallels the same scene that occurred between Myrtle and Wilson in the beginning of the story. Also, Tom realizes when he is getting gas at Wilson's, that Myrtle too has a life beyond his own. Fitzgerald creates a wonderful, yet terrible situation that comments on society. Now, the one who cheated got what he deserved, but along with this the innocent wife is no longer innocent. Daisy is just as corrupted as Tom is once this scene occurrs. All in the middle of this is Doctor TJ Eckleburg, who watches over all of these happenings. Fitzgerald symbolically displays how morals have been lost, but God still watches over, even though he seems to have been forgotten.
I agree with you. I think that stressing the idea that for them, Good has been forgotten but never the less he still watches over them. It is ironic because the eyes are in the city if ashes abd new daisy is now add add her husband and his mistress
I completely, 100% agree with you Matt. You literally took the words right out of my mouth. I don't believe there is anything else you can touch on regarding the scenes you explained and how they tied in Doctor T.J Eckleburg. Ultimately, readers are reminded of the different morals and way of life.
I agree with the first part. The 2nd part of your comment kind of made me look at this in a different perspective. How Tom got a taste of his own medicine, but them Daisy wasn't as innocent as she seamed anymore.
Doctor T. J. Eckleburg ‘s eyes appear again in chapter 7. T. J. Eckleburg watches over the meeting with Tom, Wilson, Jordan, Myrtle, and Nick. Nick believes “that other eyes were [also] regarding [them] with peculiar intensity from less than twenty feet away” (Fitzgereld 131). I thought that the eyes of T. J. Eckleburg related to “Myrtle peering down at the car… on Jordan Baker, whom she took to be [Tom’s] wife” (131) Tom’s life is also falling apart because his wife is in the process of running off with someone else and his mistress is leaving. T. J. Eckleburg’s eyes are symbolically the eyes of God, who see everything that is happening and right now, he eyes of God are seeing the immorality of the characters. I think it could also represent the guilt that the characters feel themselves. They are all aware of the immoral things that they are committing. I think that the eyes could resemble a warning that something bad is about to happen as a result of all the wrongdoings of the characters.
I agree with a lot of what you said however, when you say "They are all aware of the inmoral things that they are committing" I disagree. In the book surrounding the apperrance of his eyes, they arent really paid attention too, they are ignored. I think this is them not really noticing Gods presseance and once again ignoring him. I dont think that they really do understand.
Once again Doctor T.J. Eckleburg ‘s eyes appear in this chapter. Eckleburg's eyes plays a significant role in the story because it brings up the ideas of religion and God. When the group was driving through the Valley of Ashes, "Then as Doctor T.J. Eckleburg's faded eyes came into sight down the road, [Nick] remembered Gatsby's caution about gasoline"(Fitazgerald 122). His eyes symbolize God's all-knowing knowledge and can predict what is going to happen in the future with Gatsby.
I agree he is the one who would know all and is, he is the inside reader because like us he see everything. If he can predict what is going to happen, do you think it was right what happened? Do you think it was karma? Gatsby almost had Daisy why would Eckleberg, change that.
I completely agree with you Dong. God is a powerful figure and He plans out peoples lives. This being said, he is plans out Nick, Gatsby, Daisy, Tom, Jordan, and Mr/Mrs Wilson's lives. Everything that has happened so far happened for a reason and will play a significant role in the ending.
I like what you said Dong. I agree that Eckleburg's eyes do play a significant role in the story because it brings up the ideas of religion and God. Which I think was important for Fitzgerald to include in the writing of the novel. Also I commented something similar, when you said that his eyes symbolize God's all-knowing knowledge. But what I also like that you said and I didn’t was when you said that it could predict what is going to happen in the future with Gatsby. Which I thought was interesting.
I agree with you that the eyes predict that something will happen in the future with Gatsby, but I also think that it foreshadows the future with the other characters as well. T. J. Eckleburg’s eyes make an appearance during a time when many of the characters are being immoral. Myrtle, Tom, Gatsby, and Daisy are all cheating. When the eyes made an appearance, “Myrle was peering down at the car” (Fitzgereld 131) because she thought she was looking at Tom’s wife. Tom’s wife and mistress are both leaving him. I think that this scene foreshadows that the character’s wrongdoings are going to cause conflict.
I agree that what Nick said is really important Dong. The fact that the sight of a TJ Eckleburgs eyes made Nick think about gas could be a comment on society. Eckleburg, who represents God, only reminds Nick of the need to get gas, but does not remind him of the importance of morals and religion. Although Nick is generally good, the sight of God only brings about the thought of something unimportant such as gas. Fitzgerald is commenting on how society has changed where morals and values no longer exist.
Dong, I agree with what you said about the eyes symbolizing what is going to happen in the future. I hadn't thought it in that way, I just figured that they meant that the eyes were watching over everyone like God would, but I like and agree with how you interpreted its meaning.
Dr T.J Eckleburg's eyes once again but his appearance is noted as very significant because the connection to god and religion. God sees and looks over everyone and everything that happens. For the fact that the first time we were introduced to these same pair of eyes is in chapter two when his eyes were looking over the valley of ashes on a billboard, "above the grey land and the spasms of bleak dust which drift endlessly over it, you perceive, after a moment, the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg" (2.2). He witnessed the conflict between Myrtle and Wilson and now he is mentioned coincidentally at the moment where conflict arises among Tom,Daisy, and Gatsby. These specific “ were [also] regarding [them] with peculiar intensity from less than twenty feet away” (Fitzgereld 131). This is just to show that the eyes of Eckleburg are purposefully symbolizing the eyes of god.
Harshita, I completely agree, your connection to all the way back to chapter two is great because it carries throughout the book that God is watching and I feel that is a very significant point Fitzgerald is trying to make. The eyes of God are always watching, but the intensity is mentioned right before all hell breaks lose and things go from bad to worse with the death of Myrtle Wilson.
The all-seeing eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg once again make a significant appearance in the "The Great Gatsby". They were going to New York and Tom, Nick, Jordan stopped for gas, "Over the ashheaps the giant eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg kept their vigil, but I perceived, after a moment, that other eyes were regarding us with peculiar intensity from less than twenty feet away" (Fitzgerald 124). Those eyes were of Myrtle Wilson's. God is still watching over them even though morals and God may be at the back of their minds now. Tom may be left alone with Daisy leaving him for Gatsby and Myrtle going away to the West. Tom and Wilson are in similar positions. All of this occurs under God's eyes. A confrontation is bound to happen to resolve all these matters while being watched by those eyes.
I agree with you ideas since it connect how God see what moral act Tom has committed. God all this time has been watching them, and the reappearance of the "vigil" eyes foreshadow something in the story which may lead to a conclusion for Daisy whether she choose Gatsby or Tom. When the eyes showed up again, I think it is reminding us that God is still watching everything.
I agree with your idea that Eckleburg's eyes continue to symbolize the eyes of God, still watching the actions of all the characters. However, in chapter 7, I feel that Nick describing the billboard with, "faded eyes" (Fitzgerald 122) shows that the immorality of the characters is getting worse and that morality is becoming less and less important. I also feel that it foreshadows the worsening of morality; As if God is finished with the immorality of the 20s and is leaving, allowing sin to take over.
I agree with you that Doctor TJ Eckelburg's eye's view the morals and actions of the characters in the novel and that Doctor TJ Eckleburg's eyes point to the upcoming conflict in the novel. As, "the giant eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg kept their vigil" (131), the novel's tone starts to change. Tom's love life is crumbling apart and the tone within the group of Gatsby, Tom, Nick, Daisy, and Jordan has started to turn sour. Doctor TJ Eckleburg's eyes maybe a symbol that the presence of his eyes brings out the truth and reality in society.
The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg come up again in chapter 7, and I think that this is because Fitzgerald is referencing the immorality that is taking place at this point in the novel. "Over the ashheaps the giant eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg kept their vigil..."(Fitzgerald 124). This refers to the idea of God watching over all and the idea of religion. At this point they had stopped for gas in the valley of ashes, and it is showing how no matter where they are that God is still watching all of their actions. I think that the eyes also symbolize all of the immoral things that the characters are doing, and that it is a foreshadowing to something bad that may happen in the future.
I really agree with you. The characters have done some horrible things. Each time, God was watching over, looking at all of the immoral things. No matter where they are in the book, God is always watching. This is one of the most important symbols that is in the novel and is also one of the more obvious one.
I agree with you on how God is always watching over these characters just like the eyes are. The eyes have witnessed all of their horrible actions and so has God. I also agree that this is foreshadowing that something bad will happen in the near future because they have committed so many immoral actions.
Alexis Blackmon. period 1 2/17/2014 12:40:48 pm
I agree that Doctor T.J. Eckleburg represents the all seeing eye, and that this can be directly referenced to God being able to see everything that they're doing, even immoralities. I also agree this may foreshadow later events that may come later on in the story
I agree with you Julia. I think that the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg represent the eyes of God, and how He is always watching over the characters. It does show that no matter what happens or what they are doing, someone is always watching. I also think since God is able to oversee the horrible things that some people have done, something else really bad is going to happen with the characters that Eckleburg will see with his eyes.
The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg come up again when God and religion seem to come into play again. Before reaching the valley of ashes Daisy, Tom, and Gatsby all play one another for their own benefit. All of them are basically not thinking about being fair but using each other for their gain. Gatsby is using Daisy against Tom because he feels he deserves her more than Tom because he constantly lives in the past. Tom is using Daisy because based on who Tom is he has to have it all the perfect house perfect life with the perfect wife that is innocent and naive like Daisy. Which leads to Daisy that uses Gatsby for her own benefit to cheat on Tom but then clings to Tom because she has everything she needs. These conflicting aspects leads into where the eyes appear over the valley of ashes where Tom learns that Myrtle has a life that doesn't involve Tom in it and it upsets Tom to know that it seems as though him life is falling apart due to his choices. After the fighting between Gatsby and Tom in the city, Daisy surrenders her efforts and decides to go back to a normal life. So when her and Gatsby go back through the valley of ashes the eyes appear again when a murder of Myrtle occurs judging the choices chosen by all the characters involved. Which after all of this determines the path in which God sets forth for the rest of the story and it's characters.
I see Dr. T.J. Eckleburg's eyes as the all seeing spectator. When it says, "Then as Doctor T. J. Eckleburg's faded eyes came into sight down the road." For me this means that he is watching Nick and everyone else, but faded means that he might not see everything so something will go wrong in the story. Seeing Dr. T.J Eckleburg's eyes again at this point in the novel, when tensions are at their highest, when George finds out that Myrtle has another lover and Tom and Gatsby clash is like a message. I think that despite the absence of religion in the story, God is still there, watching everyone, but as Nick points out, frowning.
Good point about the faded eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg not seeing everything, which might lead to an unfortunate event in the story. God all this time has been watching, and the reappearance of those "vigil" eyes foreshadow something in the story which may lead to a conclusion for Daisy on who to go with, Gatsby or Tom. When the eyes showed up again, I think it is reminding us that God is still watching everything.
I like your views on Dr. T.J. Ecklegurg's eyes being faded. I feel like the significance of him not seeing everything sets up the novel for a bigger falling out point or climax. Also, how you bring up god is like Eckleburg's eyes because he is watching everyone.
I agree with you and Shivam, Doctor T.J Eckleburg's eyes being faded almost acts like he is keeping his distance from everyone and letting them do as they please. I feel that Shivam has a pretty good prediction this situation is setting up a future climax even bigger than the one in this chapter
Doctor T.J. Eckleberg's eyes reappear in chapter seven after disappearing for multiple chapters. The doctor's eyes watch over the people journeying to and from the city. Their presence can be seen as God watching the events that happen in the Valley of Ashes. Tom and Myrtle commit adultery, Wilson is lied to about the events going on and the sales of Tom's cars and the doctor's eyes watch over all of it. Nick notices that "Over the ashheaps the giant eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg kept their vigil" (Fitzgerald 124). In other words, the doctor's eyes maintained open in this time when most eyes would be closed, much like God's eyes watch over everything.
I agree with you that like Eckleburg's eyes, God's eyes are always open. This is what I believe makes his appearance during chapter 7 so important. Nick tells us that his eyes "were regarding [them] with peculiar intensity from less than twenty feet away" (Fitzgerald 124). This meaning that God is always near. However, I also believe that his appearance foreshadows the devastation that occurs in the concluding chapters.
I completely agree with you that the eyes symbolize the eyes of God, but I’d like to point out that the time in which the eyes appear seems crucial to me. Doctor T.J. Eckleburg appears at the most scandalous moment in the novel. Daisy begins to cheat on Tom with Gatsby, no longer holding the vows she has made to her husband, violating one of the ten commandments of the bible. Even though these people have failed to follow God, forgetting him in their everyday lives, he continues to watch over them.
I agree with you Lizzy that the eyes of Dr. T.J Eckleburg foreshadow distress or conflict. The eyes are present or made a recent appearance when Tom carries on his affair in Chapter Two, when Nick is lied to by Gatsby then is introduced to Wolfshiem by Gatsby in chapter 4, and when Daisy announces where her love lies and later kills Myrtle by “accident” (as far as we know) in chapter 7. The crimes foreshadowed by T.J Eckleburg in this valley in the shadow of death are progressively more horrid than the previous signaling that the next time the eyes appear an event worse than murder will follow suit. That or a form of redemption through repentance which is possible being that the eyes are so often related to God who is known as a forgiver just as much as a punisher.
Doctor T.J. Eckleberg's eyes are seen in the chapter about twice. Once when the five drive into town and another when they hurry out. The yes are significant because they are compared to gods eyes watching over what happens bellow. Eckleberg sees Gatsby and Daisy on the way to the hotel and then following behind Tom, Jordan and Nick. When he sees Tom he sees him in the state of trying to rush after Daisy before he losses her but he has seen Tom before pouncing around with another woman. Which then goes to when Eckleberg's eyes fallen upon what only Nick, Gatsby and Daisy know of which is when Daisy runs over Tom's mistress Myrtle. I find it ironic that Tom got what was coming for him though I feel there was absence that not all karma was done right. Gatsby now is giving his life to Daisy but she will never see that and I think the importance of Eckleberg's eyes is to show how we the reader can see all the mischief but the characters cannot.
I believe Doctor T.J Eckleberg eyes are significant because they represent god and moral value. The billboard sits, fading and is neglected by the people in society. Characters in the book idolize wealth and believe that money makes a person. The people totally neglect their moral values and beliefs and have become corrupt. In chapter seven, Daisy even goes against her values and cheats on Tom. The eyes are god watching down on the people, frowning at their morals and behavior. The eyes, "look out of no face, but, instead, from a pair of enormous yellow spectacles which pass over a existent foot. Evidently some wild wag of an oculist set them there to fatten his practice in the borough of Kings, and then shank down himself into external blindness, or forgot them and moved away"(26). People have become blind of what is right and value money over the individual.
I completely agree with you Scott, the eyes represent a higher being to show the declining set bar of moral values and beliefs that the society is showing. It was a very significant thing you pointed out about the billboard being faded. That is what really shows the loss of the important values.
I agree with your opinion of the eyes symbolizing god. However I question your statement on people becoming blind of what is right. I think humans still have their knowledge of right and wrong. What has changed is that doing what is wrong has become more accepted in society so people become less inclined in doing what is right.
I believe that Scott Fitzgerald brought back the eyes in this chapter because he is showing that even though the characters in his book have forgotten about God he is still there. He watches over everyone thought the cloudy smoke just like the characters and their shady ways. Daisy in now no different than Tom and his mistress. Abd this is what Fitzgerald was trying to point out
I agree with this completely. God can clearly be seen through the eyes of Dr. Eckleberg. they are looking down upon this group of individuals that treat each other poorly and commit countless sins. Nobody is different than anyone else and all of the must take accountability for it. Their actions are not considered to be morally or spiritually correct. Although the characters may drift away from God throughout the novel, he is still always there and present.
I agree with Corey's emphasis on how god is still present in the begining and continues to watch everyone until the end. The eyes contain no other real significance other than how God watches as the spiritually and moral corrupt continue to sin. I also took into the consideration the location of the billboard. As it is facing the city, everyone entering and leaving will take the billboard into account, however they continue to sin, almost mocking God directly
I agree with you, that Daisy has stooped to Tom's level by openly displaying her affection towards Gatsby like Tom was openly cheating on her with Myrtle. Even Daisy, who was portrayed as an innocent and passive character at the beginning of the novel, has become kind of a scheming character, in the fact that she makes a point of rubbing it in Tom's face that she has someone else too. Most, if not all of the characters, have fallen to corruption, in which I believe Fitzgerald was trying to make a point that the corruption of man is inevitable. I agree that Fitzgerald brought back to eyes to show that God is still watching them sinning, even though they might not necessarily know or choose to acknowledge that He is. I feel that the mention of the eyes could be used to foreshadow the fallout of the characters, when they have become so wrapped in their sins that everything unravels and falls apart. I like how you mentioned that the eyes watch over everyone throughout the "cloudy smoke" and compared it to the characters' "shady ways". I believe that was the exact point Fitzgerald was trying to make using the imagery of the smoke and to emphasize the corruption and ignorance of the characters.
In this chapter, Doctor T.J. Eckleburg's eyes stood out the most to me as a symbol. From previous chapters, the idea that these eyes symbolized the eyes of God, this idea pretty much smacks readers across the face with all of the mishaps that happen. There is Daisy and Gatsby that are falling more in love with each other than ever before and Myrtle is slowly separating from Tom. Everything bad that happens in the chapter is all being watched over by God. No matter where they are and how innocent we think each of the characters are, God is always watching over.
Taylor, I agree with you completely. In chapter seven, so many plot-twisting events occur, that it only makes sense for the doctor's eyes to symbolize God. Their repeating occurrences in the book help remind the reader that there is always someone watching over. The same vigil that Nick sees in Doctor T.J. Eckleberg's eyes is also seen when Gatsby watches over Daisy and Tom's home. Nick believes he "marred the sacredness of the vigil" (Fitzgerald 147) by staying in Gatsby's presence, because Gatsby is planning on watching over the couple. Gatsby is acting as the eyes of God in this as he refuses to look away from the house. I also think that the corruption that goes on in the book can be foreshadowing for the crash of the Great Depression that are to come.
The eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg are once more added to Fitzergald's plot . The eyes of God look down on the conflicted characters as they head off to a doomed day in the city. The eyes rest over a scene with cheating spouses, conflicted lovers, and angry husbands. The chapter definitely is a big one, Tom finds out the Daisy has become involved with Gatsby. Daisy, in desperate attempt to run away from the situation, suggests a day in the city. The eyes watch over them. When reading about Myrtle's confinement, I felt a sense of doom. Wilson is grief stricken and so terrilbly angry at his cheating wife that he locks her up. Myrtle meets her end as does Gatsby and Daisy's love. So many horrible things happen in this chapter, but Eckleburg is always watching. God is never seen, but things happen for a reason. It may be inferred that it is God's will that severed all the lover's ties, representing that infidelity may lead to dire consequences.
I really like what you last said in your comment Riley. God can remove or place many people into our lives for many different reasons. However I think that infidelity will not only maybe lead, but will always lead to dire consequences.
The eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg are again seen in chapter 7. These eyes could represent or symbolize the eyes of God, and how He is always watching over everything that the characters do. Eckleburg sees Gatsby and Daisy on the way to the hotel and then follows behind Tom, Jordan and Nick. Again he is always watching. Also, the lack of religion and participation in spirituality is shown throughout this novel. Since Eckleburg keeps reappearing, I think that he represents the never-ending presence of God watching over everyone and everything.
I would have to agree with you greatly Bailey. The fact that the eyes are always watching makes them symbolise God very much so. The fact that Fitzgerald makes it more noticeable that the eyes are watching during corrupt times, such as when "The 'death car'... didn't stop" (105), proves that they are God as well. My reasoning behind this is because Fitzgerald is trying to show how people are detaching themselves from religion.
The reappearance of Doctor T.J Eckleburg reveals the sins of the characters in the events that are about to unfold. When Nick states that “over the ashheaps the giant eyes of Doctor T.J Eckleburg kept their vigil, but [he] perceived, after a moment, that other eyes were regarding us with peculiar intensity from less than twenty feet away” (Fitzgerald 124). I think the Doctor’s eyes represent God looking over the people but no one is paying attention to Him. While the other set of eyes represent the darkness or evilness around us, tempting humans into sinning which most of the people were doing.
The reappearance of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg’s eyes are yet another mention that God is ever present, now more than ever as we as readers enter the most important chapter of the book. The eyes are looking down on a scene of deceit and unfolding turmoil. At this point, Tom figured out how Gatsby and Daisy are connected, Daisy is trying to avoid the awkwardness the everyone is beginning to realize by suggesting a day on the town. Things go from bad to worse as the history between Daisy and Gatsby is realized and of course, we have the tragic death of Myrtle Wilson. All the while, the looming eyes of the doctor are mentioned, “We were all irritable now with the fading ale, and aware of it as we drove for a while in silence. Then as Doctor T. J. Eckleburg’s faded eyes came into sight down the road, I remembered Gatsby’s caution about gasoline” (Fitzgerald 233) The eyes, still representing God and all that He sees.
Dr. T.J. Eckleburg's reappearance represents the continuation of immorality faced mostly by Gatsby, Daisy, Tom, and Myrtle. There are a lot of slip-ups and carelessness regarding character actions featured in the chapter, such as when Gatsby states, "She [Daisy] never loved you, do you hear?" (Fitzgerald 123). Gatsby I feel is not realizing the repercussions of his affair with Daisy and is too concerned in winning her over from Tom. He blatantly states his love for Daisy has no regard for Tom's opinion. Although I have no doubt that Gatsby truly loves Daisy, I feel like he is turning Daisy into a prize at times. Eckleburg's eyes make me think that they represent disappointment at the human race and how it is so corrupt as well.
I agree with you that Gatsby does not care about the repercussions of his affair with Daisy. When Nick returns to the Buchanan's house, Gatsby is waiting outside, Nick and Gatsby exchange words "'It ripped her open--'
Everyone's been rather irritable after having a few drinks and everyone having their suspicions about each other. On the way to get some gas, Nick notices that "Doctor T.J. Eckleburg's faded eyes came into sight down the road, I remembered Gatsby's caution about gasoline" (Fitzgerald 122). Later on, Nick also notices that the "giant eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg kept their vigil, but I perceived, after a moment, that other eyes were regarding us with peculiar intensity from less than twenty feet away" (124). The fact that Fitzgerald mentions the eyes twice in the same chapter add a certain importance to them that they did not have before. He wants to highlight them as they could be more important coming up in the novel.
When Dr. T.J. Eckleburg's eyes reoccur in this chapter, I think it signifies a loss in morals and values. As observed in Chapter 2, Dr. Eckleburg's eyes were associated with those of a godly figure watching over everyone. In Chapter 2, Tom also revealed his mistress, Myrtle and it is known that adultery is a sin. In chapter 6, "the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg kept their vigil", vigil meaning the eyes were wary and paying attention (Fitzgerald 124). I think that whenever Dr. Eckleburg's eyes are mentioned it foreshadows an event where a sin occurs. In chapter 6, Tom officially learns of Gatsby and Daisy, Tom reveals some insight on how Gatsby actually earns his money and Daisy runs over Myrtle, all of which are sins.
I completely agree with you Paula. Eckleburg's eyes are significant due to a decrease in ethics faced by Tom, Gatsby, Daisy, and Myrtle. It is essentially frowning upon the affairs and shows how morality is dwindling.
Once again, Fitzgerald uses the image of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg's eyes to symbolize God is watching over in judgment of inevitable events. In this particular instance, the eyes in the billboard "see" the characters on their way to the city and Fitzgerald uses this scene to remind readers of the immoral dynamic of the group of characters. And the fact that he mentions the eyes of other people watching them reinforces this imagery. Doctor Eckleburg's appearance foreshadows the fight that occurs between Gatsby and Tom in the parlor of a suite in the Plaza Hotel. The fight is a climactic point in the novel because during the course of the fight, the characters slowly start to realize that they have done wrong, especially Daisy. While Tom has sinned throughout the book by cheating on Daisy, Daisy has eventually stooped to Tom's level by cheating on him with Gatsby. This realization hits her while she and the others witness Tom and Gatsby arguing. Nick describes the scene and says, "[Daisy's] eyes fell on Jordan and me with a sort of appeal, as though she realized at last what she was doing--and as though she had never, all along, intended to do anything at all. But it was done now. It was too late" (132). Daisy's eyes are a reflection of Doctor Eckleburg's eyes; she witnesses her own sin.
I always thought of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg's eyes as their own symbol, and that they didn't really connect with anyone else specifically. The connection that you make to Daisy definitely makes sense, but I had never thought of it in that way before. And I also agree with the point you made about the eyes symbolizing God's presence everywhere and that every sin made in the novel does not go unnoticed.
The eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg almost foreshadow the future events in the chapter. Nick talks about how the eyes seemed as if they "were regarding us with peculiar intensity from less than twenty feet away" (Fitzgerald 124). In most faiths God is seen as the all-knowing figure and because he watches them closer in this chapter than before, it can be inferred that something will happen. His presence could simply be an attempt to protect them from their future sins. On the other hand, the presence of God or Eckleburg's eyes could foreshadow death, and they could hold the purpose of carrying Myrtle into the afterlife after her death.
I agree with you, Jelani. Dr. T.J. Eckleburg definitely symbolizes God watching down on everyone. I think your idea of foreshadowing is correct. I thought it foreshadowed that something bad or immoral was going I happen. The first time we saw the eyes we also met Tom's mistress. Using the clues in the beginning of the chapter I think someone will commit a sin.
Very interesting Jelani how you look at you say that the eyes could hold the purpose of carrying Myrtle into the afterlife after her death. I never looked at it in this way, but I think that this could be something to be considered. Once reading into the book, the death of Myrtle happens in the Valley of Ashes where the eyes of Dr. Eckleburg are present and can provide as some sort of physical element to help the transition of Mrs. Wilson's soul if one is looking at this in a spiritual sense.
Doctor T.J. Eckleburg appears at the most scandalous moment in the novel. Daisy begins to cheat on Tom with Gatsby, no longer holding the vows she has made to her husband. The novel explains, "Over the ash heaps the giant eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg kept their vigil..."(Fitzgerald 124). This symbolizes the eyes of God watching over the scene, and how the once innocent Daisy now seems to be as sinful as her husband.
this was supposed to be under Tyler Kol not Tyler Tol.
I completely agree with you, but I also think that it shows how they cannot escape God's watchful eyes. They initially try to run away from their problems, but God is watching them wherever they go. Their problems will be brought to light in the near future and God will see all.
I also agree with this statement as Dr. Eckleberg appears when sins are being committed. With all that happens in this chapter, Gatsby's way of earning money, the death if Myrtle and Wilson, and Daisy admitting to adultery, ecklebergs prescence is quite relevant as a godlike figure
The perceiving eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg make yet another appearance in the novel as the conflicts between the relationships rise to the surface. The eyes are first brought up when the conflict between Myrtle and George’s relationship was first introduced; now the eyes reappear as there is one of the largest conflicts with Tom, Daisy, and Gatsby. This tension does not go unrecognized as the symbolic eyes of God look down upon them: “We were all irritable now with fading ale...Doctor T.J. Eckleburg’s eyes came into sight…the giant eyes…kept their vigil” (Fitzgerald 122-124). At this point in time both Daisy and Myrtle are starting to slip from the grasp on Tom as Gatsby gains Daisy’s attention and George Wilson plans on moving out West with Myrtle to escape the immoral society as it continues to deteriorate. Tom, who cheated with both women, is getting what he deserves as both of them are exiting his life, but Daisy as well is no longer the innocent wife she is believed to be. Instead she too is now morally corrupted as she is stuck in the middle of the fight for affection between Tom and Gatsby. The eyes of Dr. Ecklegburg are constantly watching and express the sins being committed by the characters as they continue to deprive themselves of moral values and the appearance of God/religion in their lives. Slowly, but surely the characters are noticing the terrible actions they have been committing to each other, which can be a possible foreshadow to future events that revolve around forms of revenge due to their lack of good principles.
I couldn't agree with you more! The eyes are definitely seeing all the corrupt morals of the characters and are foreshadowing something bad. I disagree on thing, however. I don't think the characters see their deterring morals, I don't think that they see the lack of their principles. They are all in it for themselves. Tom wants a thrill, Daisy wants to feel whole, and Gatsby wants the past.None of them see the wrong in what they are doing. Their corrupt morals have become comfortable for them.
Doctor T.J. Eckleburg appears again in chapter 7 during a time of overwhelming conflict between Gatsby and Tom. His eyes represent the idea of morals and God. This idea I think is important in chapter 7 because it has the most direct conflict between Tom and Gatsby within the book. Nick describes “the giant eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg [that] kept their vigil” (Fitzgerald 101). This idea that you can never escape your actions gives his eyes a very prominent meaning that could be much more important in the concluding chapters.
The eyes of Eckleburg are added into the novel because they are the eyes of God looking down on the characters dark choices. God is always there for people and is always looking down over them, whether they know it or not. It comes again in this chapter to show that God has a plan for the people and the bad day in the city is a part of His plan. Tom finding out that Daisy is involved with Gatsby may help him figure out that their “love” is not the love they thought it was.
Eckleburg eye's are referenced in this chapter to show that the truth will always prevail. The characters had successfully hidden their secrets for a long time, but sooner or later God (Eckleburg's eyes) finds a way to reveal them. Shortly after Nick spots Eckleburg's eyes, Tom finds out that George Wilson know's of his wife's infidelity. At the same time Tom is finding this out, Myrtle discovers that Tom has a life outside of her. This cruel reality settling in is depicted by Fitzgerald when he states, "...until I realized that her eyes, wide with jealous terror, were fixed not on Tom, but on Jordan Baker, whom she took to be his wife." (Fitzgerald 125). Here, under the watchful eyes of God, everyone's world is colliding with one and another no how hard they try to prevent it.
This could not have been phrased any better! I completely agree with you that the eyes signify truth always prevailing. The characters start to see the immoral acts they have been committing on one another as the truth is revealed during their travel and time spent in the city. Tom is realizing his mistakes may end up leaving him abandoned as Gatsby continues to steal the heart of Daisy and George Wilson finally notices Myrtle has been seeing someone else and plans on having them move out West within the next few days to rid themselves of the deteriorating society of Long Island. Daisy sees the predicament she has now created by providing both men with affection/leading them on, which is also corrupting her as she also has somewhat of an affair going on, losing her innocence. The eyes just further reveal the sins being committed by the characters as God's presence and religion are absent in their lives.
Amanna, I did not think of that. That's a solid point about truth being prevailed. I also like how you pieced together everyone's secrets coming to surface with connecting it to T.J eyes symbolizing God. God is all knowing and his influence in the novel is outstanding.
Amanna I couldn't agree with you more! The eyes symbolize God, and how he can always see everything. Jordan, Tom, and Nick are driving through the Valley of Ashes to the city when Tom needs to refuel. "Then as Doctor T.J. Eckleburg's faded eyes came into sight down the road, [Nick] remembered Gatsby's caution about gasoline"(Fitazgerald 122). The eyes watch over Tom as Wilson refuels his car, and while he may not know about Myrtle and Tom, the all seeing eyes do. And eventually, god makes everyone's eyes see what they have done.
In chapter seven “the giant eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg kept their vigil” (96). This is significant because in the second chapter they symbolize the eyes of God, always watching. The eyes watch over the Valley of Ashes and see everything. In chapter seven a lots happens. It is the hottest day of the year, and there is lots of tension in the air. Tom uses Gatsby’s car to take Nick and Jordan into town, while Gatsby takes Tom’s car with Daisy. When Tom stops for gas at Wilson’s garage the eyes are seen again. Wilson told Tom about how he was saving money to go West. Tom felt that “His wife and his mistress, until an hour ago secure and inviolate, were slipping precipitately from his control” (96). The eyes of Dr. Eckleburg also saw the entire death of Myrtle Wilson. Besides Gatsby and Nick, the eyes are the only ones that know Daisy was the one driving when the accident occurred. Gatsby plans on taking full blame without realizing what the consequences will be.
I never really thought about the fact that Doctor T.J. Eckleburg's eyes say the entire crash as well. I think this can be referring to the fact that God is always watching everyone.
The Doctor makes another several appearances in the chapter. "Doctor T.J. Eckleburg's faded eyes came into sight down the road, I remembered Gatsby's caution about gasoline" (Fitzgerald 122). It was interesting to see this quote right before they go into the gas station and see Toms mistress. We see the eyes of judgement and we know something scandalous is going to happen.
I agree with your comment Chris. This is a lot like how i viewed the eyes to be relevant in the chapter. And the scandalous thing that happened was Myrtle being hit by the car. Which I found very ironic.
Doctor T.J. Eckleburg's eyes symbolically appear in chapter seven to given insight about the main characters and to comment on society and the way the world is heading. Daisy, Tom and Gatsby are simply sinners. The eyes are said to look down upon the party as they rode into town which can mean that God is looking at the world and the way its heading. Cheating, drinking and the separation of people are only some of the things that can be seen that can be considered morally wrong. Just as it is said later in the chapter, "Human sympathy can has its limits..." (135). At some point, something has to give. In this case, the sins can not be looked past and must be confronted. Their is a limit until "enough becomes enough". I believe this matches with the eyes because at some point, the sins of society and the way in which we are progressing cannot be looked over anymore. Changes must be made and accountability must be taken.
I agree with what you are saying. The eyes look down at each person and recognize the sin the is happening in he world. eventually, the truth must be revealed one way or another, people must take responsibility for their actions in order for their lives to progress.
I completely agree with you, because in the second chapter they symbolize the eyes of God, always watching. The eyes watch over the Valley of Ashes and see everything. Besides Gatsby and Nick, the eyes are the only ones that know Daisy was the one driving when the accident occurred. Gatsby plans on taking full blame without realizing what the consequences will be.
The re-emergence of Doctor T.J. Eckleberg in the middle of chapter 7,represents how God is always present, but the people of the Roaring 20s do not care. This makes sense when you think about all the things that have happened in Eckleberg's sight: Myrtle and Tom cheated on their spouses, Daisy killed Myrtle, and Mr.Wilson decided to find and murder the one who killed his wife. Because Eckleburg's eyes were introduced in the chapter where the main characters' immoral lifestyles are first introduced, it makes sense that the symbol be seen again before their immorality is exposed and they face the consequences.
That is a very good connection, "this makes sense when you think about all the things that have happened in Eckleberg's sight" but what about the things that have happened beyond the eyesight of Eckleberg. if he is supposed to represent god then maybe he's been there threw all the bad times?
You have a point, James. I never looked at Dr. Eckleburg's eyes as a direct connection to the 20's and only ever really connected it to the characters in the book. You have a point because this book was published in the 20's and also takes place in the 20's. I think that to conclude that the people of the roaring 20's did not care about religion you need evidence. We can say that the characters in the book do not care about religion, but not real people, unless you can support it.
I really like how you talk about how Doctor T.J. Eckleberg reappears to watch the characters face the consequences of their immorality. When the eyes are first introduced, they are simply described as watching over the moral decay in the valley of ashes but no one is seriously harmed. In Chapter 7, the eyes watch over real destruction such as Myrtle's death and Gatsby's crushed dream which result from their moral decay.
Once again, Eckleburg's eyes come into the story. They symbolize God, and how he can always see everything. Jordan, Tom, and Nick are driving through the Valley of Ashes to the city when Tom needs to refuel. "Then as Doctor T.J. Eckleburg's faded eyes came into sight down the road, [Nick] remembered Gatsby's caution about gasoline"(Fitazgerald 122). The eyes watch over Tom as Wilson refuels his car, and while he may not know about Murtle and Tom, the all seeing eyes do.
I agree that Eckleburg's eyes are the all seeing eyes of God. He knows everything that is happening in the novel unlike all of the characters involved in the plot. The only being to see all and know all is Doctor TJ Eckleburg and his all powerful eyes. His eyes are important to the novel because of all of the sin and corruption that occurs over the course of the novel.
The eyes of Eckleburg are added into “The Great Gatsby,” because those eyes represent the eyes of God. God is above all people, and He looks down at society, and in this case, He looks down on the characters and their decisions. God is the Almighty Father, who is always there, whether society knows it or not sees all. The billboard with Eckleburg’s eyes is mentioned again, because it shows that God has a plan for both his good and bad people. I would feel that the bad, but yet truthful day in the city is a part of a plan that God wanted, He wanted the truth to come out. As Gatsby states, “your wife doesn’t love you…she’s never loved you. She loves me” (Fitzgerald 130). Tom finds out the cold hard truth; Daisy is involved with Gatsby and the truth comes out, which is what God would have wanted. God wants people to live truthful lives, and keeping Daisy and Gatsby’s affair behind close doors was not very truthful. The truth had to come out, and it did, just in a very abrupt manner.
I agree with your comment wholeheartedly. I see how Doctor T.J Eckleburg can be sen as the eyes of God, but I think it is not only the truth that Fitzgerald is trying to symbolize. I think that with the eyes of God, Fitzgerald is trying to say that nothing can be hidden. Everything hidden will come out and it will be judged by the eyes of God. Keyword being judged because of the dramatic scene at the end of chapter seven. Sooner or later, Tom's infidelity will be looked down upon, Daisy's accident will come with consquences, and Gatsby's choice in the five years without Daisy will come back for him.
I agree with what you are saying Giancarlo. I also think that the eyes do represent god watching over the good and the bad. I like how you connect god's eyes and what he wanted to the truth. As Gatsby implies to Tom that "[his] wife doesn't love [her] (Fitzgerald 130), it can be seen that the truth that has been surfaced has now caused a deep conflict within the characters' lives.
I think Doctor T.J Ecleburg's presence in this chapter was that of a God and a sign. He is supposed to mark the start of how each character's actions will influence the upcoming future. Before the doctor is mentioned, Tom insists on switching cars with Gatsby. This foreshadows that the two cars will impact something bigger later on in the story. Then, after the doctor is mentioned, Myrtle is shortly put in misinterpreting Tom's wife. "..I realize that her eyes, wide with jealous terror, were not fixed on Tom, but on Jordan Baker, whom she took to be his wife" (125). With Myrtle realizing her 'place' with Tom, readers can then infer that she will take action. Due to the fact that it is mentioned after the doctor, I thought that the doctor represents Myrtle's, Tom's, Gatsby's, and Daisy next actions will dictate how the story and their lives will end. The doctor now is seen as an all knowing God and the one who decides each of the character's fate because in the end, all of these character's actions were tied together with Myrtle's death.
Although I agree that the eyes represent an all-knowing figure, I do not think that the eyes actually decides the fate of the characters. I think that they just see and know what will happen, but they are not responsible for the happenings.
Once again, Fitzgerald uses the eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleburg to signify the watchful gaze of God. By mentioning them for no obvious reason t this point in the story, Fitzgerald seems to be foreshadowing what will soon happen. Sure enough, it is right then when Tom finds out that not only does Daisy want to leave him, but Myrtle is also being taken away by her husband. His two "loves" are going at the same time. With these subseqnt events, Fitzgerald makes the point that God is always watching, and He can see everything that we do. He is a God of justice, and when someone does something wrong or immoral, such as Tom's attire towards his wife and Myrtle, there are conquences.
I agree with you, Elizabeth. Tom is losing in this case; both of his women are moving on and leaving him. The eyes of Eckleburg represent the eyes of God. God is above all, and He looks down at society. As Gatsby states, “your wife doesn’t love you…she’s never loved you. She loves me” (Fitzgerald 130). Tom finds out the truth; Daisy loves Gatsby, not her husband, Tom. We also found out that Myrtle was planning on moving on with her life, “Myrtle had some sort of life apart from [Tom] in another world” (Fitzgerald 124). Tom is considered to be a ‘hulking’ guy, but in this moment, Tom is losing, and Tom cannot deal with losing, he’s never really experienced it. In the end, God has a plan, and will not give someone more than they can handle; somehow, Tom will try to fight back for his life knowing the consequences that can occur.
The eyes of Eckleburg represent God watching over this disgrace that is society. He gets to witness all the cheating, lies and downright betrayal that is exchanged between the characters down below. Ironically enough, most of the sin occuring in this chapter is because all of the lying finally stopped and the truth came out.
I like your connection with God's eyes being watchful over society and its flaws. He sees cheating, betrayal, and lying. That is also true that the chapter where truth comes out, more sin is happening; I do find that ironic in some way.
As the eyes of Dr. Eckleburg appeare again in this chapter, I think that it is referring to all the secrets of the characters surfacing. Also as Daisy was the one driving as the automobile hit Mrytle, the eyes of Dr. Eckleburg are mentioned before she is hit as Nick states "other eyes were regarding us with pelicular intensity from less that twenty feet away" (Fitzgerald 124). This passage resembled the jealous eyes of Mrytle that focused upon Jordan, whom she mistakened to be Tom's wife. I think this refers to the eyes of Dr. Eckleburg due to how God sees all, but also how others are watching as well. And that it portrays how all the characters don't fully trust one another and all have their eyes open. I also find it ironic how Myrle mistakens Jordan to be Tom's wife, but then is actually hit by his actual wife, Daisy, whom is driving with her lover.
I really like your statement about how all the characters are watching each other and don't fully have trust in one another. This makes a lot of sense, because in this chapter a lot of the characters were doubting their relationships with each other (Myrtle, Wilson, Tom, Daisy, Gatsby, even Nick) and had to keep their eyes "wide open" in order to not get played and come into realization over what is happening. I also like your ending analysis and agree that the whole situation is ironic in itself.
I agree with you too Alyssa. I feel like Doctor Eckleburg's eyes represent all the secrets and bad things that the characters have done throughout the novel. I also agree with the fact that his eyes are like God's because they see everything and every choice each character makes.
The appearance of Dr. Eckleburg is significant because the presence represents the presence of God. The eyes represent God watching over all of the characters in the story. The eyes are described to "look out of no face, but, instead, from a pair of enormous yellow spectacles which pass over a existent foot. Evidently some wild wag of an oculist set them there to fatten his practice in the borough of Kings, and then shank down himself into external blindness, or forgot them and moved away"(26) The sign is just thought to be ignored representing how the society is ignoring God's right values.
The appearance of Dr. TJ Eckleburg is significant because it is at the time that the cheating is happening with gatsby and Daisy. It is kind of giving us a foreshadow that what happened with Tom and myrtle is going to happen with Gatsby and Daisy; possibly something fatal just like how myrtle was hit by a car. So Fitzgerald is giving us clues to foreshadow, that the two cheating pairs are parallel and similar.
Eckleburg appears again in chapter 7 when Gatsby and Tom are having a conflict. His eyes represent the idea of morals and God. This idea is important in chapter 7 because it has the most obvious scene with conflict in the book between Gatsby and Tom. Nick describes “the giant eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg [that] kept their vigil” (Fitzgerald 101). This idea that you can never escape your actions gives his eyes a very prominent meaning that could be much more important in the concluding chapters.
Doctor T.J. Eckleburg’s eyes appear again in chapter 7. T.J. Eckleburg watched over the meeting that Nick, Tom, Wilson, Jordan, Myrtle. I think that Nick believes “that other eyes were regarding [them] with peculiar intensity from less than twenty feel away” (Fitzgerald 131). I feel that the eyes of T.J. Eckleburg related to “Myrtle peering down at the car… on Jordan Baker, whom she took to be [Tom’s] wife” (Fitzgerald 131). Tom’s life is also falling apart because his wife, the one he cheats on is running away with another man. And the women he is cheating with, his mistress, is also leaving. T.J. Eckleburg eyes are a symbol for the eyes of God. A God who sees everyone and everything, at all times. The eyes of God are seeing the immorality of the characters. I think that the eyes may in some way resemble a warning that something bad is about to happen.
I believe that the eyes represent the all-seeing eyes of God and how they can not be escaped as opposed to a tool to foreshadow bad events to come.
I agree with you that the eyes of T.J. Eckleburg symbolize the disappointed eyes of god. Fitzgerald is basically saying that someone can get away with immorality and lack values for only so long. Eventually consequences will ensue. I also agree that this foreshadows something bad happening to Gatsby because Nick states that, "he spoke as if Daisy's reaction was the only thing that mattered" (143). Fitzgerald is trying to point out that apparent lack of morals in Gatsby. The only person he cares about is Daisy. I think you made good points on how the eyes resemble the eyes of god.
The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg arise once again at this point in the novel as a reference to ideas of religion and God. When they were going to New York and Tom, Nick, Jordan stopped for gas, "Over the ash heaps the giant eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg kept their vigil, but I perceived, after a moment, that other eyes were regarding us with peculiar intensity from less than twenty feet away" (Fitzgerald 124). Those eyes were of Myrtle Wilson's, and God is still watching over them even though morals and God may be at the back of their minds now. Tom may be left alone with Daisy leaving him for Gatsby and Myrtle going away to the West. Also, I think that whenever Dr. Eckleburg's eyes are mentioned it foreshadows an event where a sin occurs.
Doctor T.J. Eckleburg's billboard reappears in chapter 7. In chapter 2 the eyes symbolize the loss of morality in society. The Valley of Ashes became a place that was neglected and the eyes were there to see it. Nick states that, "Over the ashheaps the giant eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg kept their vigil" (124). Vigil is an important word choice as it shows how the eyes of god are always watching. In the chapter Tom and Gatsby are ruthless to each other and show no signs of remorse. This is even after Daisy, the woman that they are fighting over, begs for them to stop. Another interesting part where morality seems to be lost is Tom's apparent lack of concern over the death of Myrtle. Nick states that, "he alone as if Daisy's reaction was the only thing that mattered" (143). The eyes of T.J. Eckleburg see the lacking morality in society.
"He spoke as if Daisy's reaction was the only thing that mattered" *
The symbolic use of Doctor Eckleberg's eyes is once again used in chapter 7. The first mention of them in the chapter is when Nick is sitting, waiting for the car to be filled with gas, and turns his head "as though [he] had been warned of something behind. Over ashheaps the giant eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleberg kept their vigil..." (124). But then he continues to describe that it was not just the eyes of the doctor, but another's, Myrtle's. The use of them in this instance is to describe that something is going to go down between the couples, because Tom is beginning to suspect something between Gatsby and Daisy, and Wilson is suspecting something with his wife. The warning Nick feels like he is getting is because he knows that worlds are about to collide and a higher power is trying to project that into him through the eyes.
I do agree with you, Kathryn, on how the secrets between the couples are slowly starting to come out into the open. This is especially true with Tom whose “...wife and mistress, until an hour ago secure and inviolate, [are] slipping precipitately from his control” (125). The mention of Doctor T.J. Eckleberg almost foreshadows that argument that Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom have later in the chapter, like a warning. It is almost like leading up to the climax when the secrets between the three are exposed.
I believe that Fitzgerald brought back the eyes and Dr. Eckleberg because it is a parallel to God, in how even though the faith for God will come and go, he is still always going to be there. Dr. Eckleberg also symbolizes the watchful eyes of God observing over those making mistakes and sinful decisions. Another reason Dr. Eckleberg was brought back up was because a lot of lies were being admitted to and truths being revealed, like how people do so when talking to God.
I agree with you, Lyssa, because I like the point you made about the eyes representing God. I also like your reference that the eyes appear and disappear just like a person's faith in god can go away and come back. I think this is one of the major ideas of the novel. The relationship between the people and their faith in God can be represented in many different ways throughout the story.
From the beginning of the book, Dr. Eckleburg's eyes is symbolized as the eyes of God. He is described as what most humans imagine God as. " They look out of no face, but, instead, from a pair of enormous yellow spectacles which pass over a nonexistent nose" (Fitzgerald ). After he's presented in Chapter two, he comes back again in chapter 7 to remind us that God is always watching. After the truth came out about Daisy and Gatsby, it came out more in a sin way rather than something righteous. The eyes basically gave the readers a clue that what they did was not right, and sinful. I also perceived it as something terrible is going to come about. Because God, "Dr. Eckleburg," is always watching, and whenever someone does something sinful, they must pay for their actions.
Dr T.J Eckleburg's eyes once again but his appearance is noted as very significant because the connection to god and religion. God sees and looks over everyone and everything that happens. For the fact that the first time we were introduced to these same pair of eyes is in chapter two when his eyes were looking over the valley of ashes on a billboard, "above the grey land and the spasms of bleak dust which drift endlessly over it, you perceive, after a moment, the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg" (2.2). He witnessed the conflict between Myrtle and Wilson and now he is mentioned coincidentally at the moment where conflict arises among Tom,Daisy, and Gatsby. These specific “ were [also] regarding [them] with peculiar intensity from less than twenty feet away” (Fitzgereld 131). God's consequences are portrayed through humans. He watches all and makes sure everyone watches all their wrong doings in the end.
I completely agree with you Vasudha, especially about Myrtle and Wilson. It only makes since that after showing the conflict between Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom, that Fitzgerald goes back to Myrtle and Wilson as well. Even if the characters do not know this they are all tied to each other and have a lot of the same issues going on, and i think its important to show that Dr. T.J. has seen this all.
Dr. TJ Eckleburg's eyes represent the eyes of God. "Over the ashheaps the giant eyes of Dr. TJ Eckleburg kept their vigil" (Fitzgerald 124). He is looking down at everyone's immoral actions. God is judging them when Gatsby and Tom are fighting over Daisy.
I agree with you Rachel! I think the eyes of Doctor TJ Eckleburg are supposed to symbolize the eyes of God. The specific time where Nick mentions the eyes, they were stopped at Wilson’s garage. Both Tom and Wilson felt that they were losing their wives at this time, which shows how there “was no difference between men, in intelligence or race, as profound as the difference between the sick and the well” (96). God sees everyone as an equal, and Nick uses this example to show that it is true.
"Over the ashheaps the giant eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg kept their vigil, but I perceived, after a moment, that other eyes were regarding us with peculiar intensity from less than twenty feet away" (Fitzgerald 124). Dr. TJ Eckleburg's making another appearance is reminding the readers that God is always watching over everyone. The eyes are always judging and are always present in the world. When Gatsby and Tom fights over Daisy they know that the eyes are watching but they still fight. They don't care about God's judgement and that is how most of the people in the novel think. They don't care what God thinks or how they appeal to him.
I agree with what you said about how God is always watching over them. Almost anytime something important happens, Dr. Eckleburg is there to see it. You make a good point when you say how they don't care that God is watching them, that they don't care about His judgment. It become more evident as the book progresses that all the characters feel this way.
I would have to disagree with you, Haley. I don't feel as if they are exactly ignoring God, they are more just oblivious to his presence in that moment. Doctor T. J. Eckleburg makes more than one appearance in this chapter. When Tom learns of Wilson's suspicions that Myrtle is having an affair with someone, it is mentioned that "the giant eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg [are keeping] their vigil" (Fitzgerald 124). Under God's watchful eye, Tom offers his car to Wilson, this man he has clearly wronged, and who is currently sick and in need. In that moment, I'd say God's opinion was at the forefront of at least Tom's, and maybe even Nick's, (who pointed out the billboard) mind.
Eckleburg's eyes play an important role in this chapter, "Doctor T. J. Eckleburg's faded eyes came into sight down the road". All this time God and religion have kept a close eye on characters Nick, Gatsby, Daisy and Tom. Eckleburg's eyes suggest uncertainty that something is bound to change; the fact that they are faded can mean he doesn't know the truth of things for sure which also means anything is bound to change as for who ends up with Daisy.
I agree with you Costa. Definitely the eyes are a constant symbol of god and religion. And the way they are presented being in a sort of fog almost says that the future of these characters are slowly unable to be seen by god as if there is going to be an event that will change the future of these characters.
I agree with you completely, Costa! I didn't really put it into perspective that though they were fading away from God, because of all the parties and such, that he was still there. That is an extremely good observation, and I am glad you had pointed it out. It is like God is always there watching over them, and always knows the right paths for them to take. Though they are separating themselves from God, he is always there.
Doctor T.J. Eckleburg appears again in this chapter, and plays an important part of this chapter, pertaining to the events that happen throughout the course of it. I feel like they are almost there to represent God, because he is always watching over the characters, as his "giant eyes...kept their vigil..." (Fitzgerald 124). Throughout this chapter a lot of new information is revealed; it is truthful information, though, in which is the right thing to be done, which could also mean that God is watching down over them. For example, when Tom finds out about Daisy and Gatsby, he is very upset, but he at least now knows the truth now. Gatsby said "Your wife doesn't love you...She loves me" (Fitzgerald 130).
I completely agree with you Rachel, Dr. T.J Eckleberg's eyes represent God and him being all knowing and being able to see every that goes on. He sees the parties and he sees the infidelity on both sides, Daisy and Tom's affairs
When we are first introduced to the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg at the beginning of Chapter 2, they are looking down upon the Valley of Ashes as Tom beckons his mistress. The eyes were described to "brood on over the solemn dumping ground" (Fitzgerald 24). I think it's significant that the eyes are mentioned again in Chapter 7, because a lot of morally corrupt actions take place throughout this chapter. Tom discovers his wife has been cheating on him just like he has been doing with Myrtle, Gatsby's illegal wealth is brought to the open, and Myrtle is killed. During these events "the giant eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg kept their vigil" (Fitzgerald 124), and I believe these eyes represent God looking down upon all the moral corruption that is taking place. I think the eyes foreshadow something morally unjust is about to take place, and I think the eyes watch over all, judging those who take the wrong path in life.
I would have to agree with you that the eyes of Doctor T.J Eckleburg belong to the eyes of god, the one who knows all's actions and watches over the land. As we discussed at the beginning of the novel, spiritual debasement of spirituality connects to previous events in the Valley of Ashes when the eyes first appeared looking over the conflict between Myrtle and Wilson. Due to Wilson's strong belief that,"god sees everything"(114) Fitzgerald brings those eyes to life by comparing the eyes to god.
This appearance of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg is significant because it is when Jordan, Nick, Tom, Daisy, and Gatsby are in the most conflicting position in the novel. In this scene Tom confronts Gatsby and Daisy about their love affair. Nick says, "we were all irritable now with the fading ale, and aware of it we drove for a while in silence," (Fitzgerald 122). This symbolizes God's all knowing. He sees them when they are arguing and it shows that he is looking over them.
I completely agree with you Mackenzie. I feel as though TJ Eckleberg's appearance in Chapter 2's description of the Valley of Ashes is a parallel to the debasement of spirituality. The fact that he is a big all seeing object in the book portrays his godlike quality, and the fact that he is covered in ashes symbolizes humanity's neglect of God. I feel as though this chapter's reintroduction of Eckleberg due to the fact that the characters are at their lowest point thus far and I believe it is just a reminder that they still have yet to even bring religion into play here.
The appearance of Doctor T.J. Eckleberg is significant in Chapter 7 because of the conflict between Tom, Gatsby and Daisy is finally out in the open. Doctor Eckleberg symbolize's the ever-watching eyes of God or the heavens, and the fact that Gatsby has been coveting his neighbor is completely revealed not just to the Doctor or God but to everyone. I think the Doctor has to be brought up to show the moral dilemma's at play. It is clear that there are many inner demons being awakened in this chapter especially when Daisy cries, "Oh, you want too much...i love you now--isn't that enough? i can't help whats past...i did love him once--but i loved you too," (Gatsby e-reader). After all of this the characters travel back to the valley of ashes and to the home of the doctor, and the accident with Myrtle happens. I think the accident is almost like their comeuppance from the Doctor Eckleberg who has seen everything.
I agree with what you said and think you mentioned tons of vital remarks in your comment. I like that you brought up moral dilemma and the point about Gatsby coveting his neighbor'a wife because I think that strengthens the point of Dr. Eckleberg representing the all knowing watchful eyes of God, because you provided a specific example of something God would disapprove of, being the breaking of one of the Ten Commandments.
Once again Doctor T.J. Eckleburg ‘s eyes appear in this chapter. Eckleburg's eyes plays a significant role in the story because it brings up the ideas of religion and God, as his "giant eyes...kept their vigil..." (Fitzgerald 124). Like earlier in the book when the eyes appeared, the eyes are looking over society and seeing every secret that is happening.
I completely agree with this idea Hailey! His eyes symbolize the eyes of God looking over the world, Nick describes it as a dumping ground. Not only can his eyes symbolize the eyes of God but also as Nick’s. He is the only one in the novel who really knows what is going on. All other characters are influenced by every day life and are not able to judge situations from their own perspective. They are all as blind as these eyes which are just painted on a billboard. Because of Wilson's strong belief in God, this poster is not just an advertisement. It has a deep meaning to him. His view “God sees everything” (114,39) shows how strongly he believes in God watching over him through the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg.
The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg make another appearance as a literary device of foreshadowing. In the beginning of the novel, the eyes show that God is watching over the land of destruction, which is basically Earth and society. In chapter seven, the eyes reappear as the series of events begin to unfold. After the argument between Tom, Daisy, and Jay, their lives seem to be unstable and their values are questioned. George Wilson is also obviously upset as he suspects his wife is leading a life without him. The Eyes watch everyone "over the ashheaps the giant eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg kept their vigil, but I perceived, after a moment, that other eyes were regarding us with peculiar intensity from less than twenty feet away" (124). It's as if the eyes know what is happening and seem to look down on everyone. Fitzgerald could be saying that a life without morals will cause destruction, and all along, God was watching over them all.
In my opinion, Dr. TJ Eckleburg's eyes stand for gods eyes. The eyes symbolize the foreshadowing that something significant was going to occur in chapter 7. Also, the eyes stand for the watching of the conflicted situations and discoveries between Tom, Daisy, and Gatsby. The eyes watch over the moral corruption that is occurring within the characters. The eyes also seem to symbolize the frown god may be having over the nightmare that is unfolding within the characters' lives. Gatsby yells at Tom and says "Your wife doesn't love you [and she's never loved you. She loves me"(Fitzgerald 130). This quote emphasizes one of the conflicts unfolding and foreshadowing what could occur in the future of the book. Both Tom and Gatsby struggle to keep Daisy's love.
I agree with you, Joe. I believe that Dr. TJ Eckleburg's eyes stand for god's eyes. However, I do not entirely agree that Tom speaking that Wilson's wife does not love him symbolizes foreshadowing. I think that Tom leaving Daisy and Gatsby alone portrays the series of events to happen next. I agree with how the eyes watch over the moral corruption, and that god sees everything.
Doctor TJ Eckleburg's eyes appear in Chapter 7, signaling important events that will occur in the novel. Doctor TJ Eckleburg's eyes "kept their vigil but I perceived, after a moment, that other eyes were regarding us with a peculiar intensity from less than twenty feet away" (131). Myrtle would then see Tom with Jordan, assuming that Jordan was Tom's lover. Myrtle eye's "wide with jealous terror, were not fixed on Tom but on Jordan Baker"(131), sees Jordan and this is where Tom's life starts to fall apart. His mistress is jealous at "his wife", later Gatsby gets into a fight with Tom and takes Daisy, and then Myrtle would be hit by a car and dies. Chapter 7 represents the beginning of the end and God's eyes watching over the crumbling lives of the characters.
I think Doctor TJ Eckleburg's eyes signify god. God's eyes are everywhere, so even if something is hidden from society, it will always come back. I think that when the eyes are mentioned that Fitzgerald is portraying bad events. "Over the ashheaps the giant eyes of doctor T.J. Eckleburg kept their vigil..."(Fitzgerald 124). The "ashheaps" again refers back to the symbol of the valley of ashes, filled with sorrow and depression.
Honestly, it's really hard to rewrite the same thing everyone else has been saying in your own words after awhile. It is significant of Doctor Eckleburg's eyes to mentioned during a time of major conflict. It is a way of Fitzgerald not only commenting on societies lack of morale, but also his characters. They are under the influence of their own selfish desires and have no motive to stop, all in the while the subject of God, the eyes, are watching over them. The characters, except of Nick, see not significance in this due to the fact they are all far gone into their inner dreams. It's significant to Nick because is only observer, much like the eyes that are watching them. He is able to get himself to think of Daisy, Tom, and Gatsby in a way that's forgiving, in which most people believe God should be, but yet he does some hold judgement. These judgments can give readers a realistic view of the characters but also allow the readers some leeway on their own opinions.
I think that Doctor T.J Eckleburg eyes come back in chapter seven because they represent the concept of religion and how God watches everything that people do. I think this is another attempt from Fitzgerald to show readers that religion isn't really thought about or important in Nick's world, but just because it is not important does not mean that it's not there. "Over the ashheaps the giant eyes of Doctor T.J Eckleburg kept their vigil." (Fitzgerald 124). His eyes are what watch the immoral things characters do, just like God.
I believe that Fitzgerald uses Doctor T. J. Eckleburg once again to establish a connection between the advertisement itself and something greater, in this case being God. As described in chapter 2, the Doctor T. J. Eckleburg is seen viewing the Valley of Ashes, which could be inferred to as a corrupted society. It is interesting how in chapter 7, the eyes seem to be attracted only towards the conversation between Tom and Wilson “with peculiar intensity from less than twenty feet away” (Fitzgerald 124). I inferred it be to be acting in another manner as God would. Wilson is aware that Myrtle is involved with another man, who stands only a few feet away and his wife is viewing from a window. This is significant, seeing as everything is falling apart, and ‘God’ is watching. The reference to Doctor T. J. Eckleburg can also bring about the theme of corruption or sin, considering that Gatsby admits to his past with Daisy as well as Tom with different affairs later in the chapter.
Before the confrontation between Tom and Gatsby happens, Nick notices how as “Doctor T.J. Eckleburg’s eyes came into sight…the giant eyes…kept their vigil” (Fitzgerald 122-124). In chapter 7, Wilson realizes Myrtle is seeing another man, but does not know who. George proceeds to take Myrtle to the window and tells her she can't fool God. By this statement he means to say that the eyes of T.J. Eckleburg are always watching, and so are the eyes of God. All the characters had hidden their secrets with ease for the longest time, but sooner or later God finds a way to reveal them, only worsening the situations. By holding the guilt in, everything collapses; it causes misunderstanding between the group of characters.
I agree that the eyes see all. I think they could possibly symbolize the eyes of God looking down "over the ashheaps... keeping their vigil" (Fitzgerald 124). His eyes like the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg look over The Valley of Ashes and see all the moral corruption taking place.
I agree with you Hannah. Eckleburg is important because he does act like an overview to all the characters. I never thought of him as God, but know that you say that I can make the connection and it makes sense.
In chapter 2, the eyes are watching over the city of ashes and all it's corruption. And now that later on in the story, Doctor T.J Eckleburg as appeared again when more corruption is on the rise. The fact that the city is 'the city of ashes' and that this day is the hottest day of the year poses a large connection as well. The heat of a fire cause whatever the fire is burning to turn to ash. Therefore, this hottest day of the year will turn into something just as corrupted as the city of ashes. The fact that they "drove on toward death" implied greatly that something terrible was going to happen. The fact that the billboard looks over all of this implies that the eyes greatly resemble God.
In Doctor T.J. Eckleburg’s eyes direct relation to God, I feel that their reappearance in this chapter stands out as to remind the characters, and us as the readers that God is always watching. His eyes may be far away and not always seem to be watching one in particular, however they will always be there when we least expect them to be. The eyes, “came into sight down the road,” (Fitzgerald 122) and seem to have never left. I also think the eyes’ reappearance connects back to Nick’s father’s advice to him in the very beginning of the book that, “Whenever you feel like criticizing one,”… “just remember that all people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had” (1). In my opinion, the eyes of Eckleburg, and God, remind us not to judge too quickly based on our instincts. God gives second chances to everyone and refrains from holding grudges. The eyes tell us also, not to create any new judgments too quickly about the characters and their actions in this chapter.
I think the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg are significant in this chapter because they represent a god-like figure for the characters. The eyes are constantly referred to in this chapter for example when Tom just pulled up to Wilson's gas station, "the giant eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg kept their vigil, but I percieved, after a moment, that the other eyes were regarding us less than twenty feet away" As tensions just began to rise between Tom and Gatsby, Nick can feel the eyes watching them, as if they know that something bad is going to happen.
Dr. T.J. Eckleburg's appearance is so significant because it brings with it a very dominant symbol within this novel, his eyes. The eyes symbolize the loss of spiritual values in America. The billboard was erected to promote the business of an optometrist in Queensborough, the eyes symbolize the growing commercialism of America, life in America is all about making money, a lot of money as evidenced by the wealth of people like Tom Buchanan – a man’s success is measured in terms of how much money he is worth, not on what kind of person he may be morally. The billboard, like the spiritual values of America, is neglected – “But his eyes, dimmed a little by many paintless days, under sun and rain, brood on over the solemn dumping ground.” The old-fashioned values of America, which Nick Carraway returns to reconnect with in the mid-West are completely absent from the East, God seems to have abandoned America, leaving only Dr. T.J. Eckleburg behind to stare down with his empty eyes on people who have abandoned their spiritual values in the quest to achieve material wealth.
Doctor T.J. Eckleburg returns again in Chapter 7 to watch over the characters as they unravel due to their moral decay. Under the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg and Myrtle, “Tom was feeling the hot whips of panic. His wife and his mistress until an hour ago secure and inviolate, were slipping precipitately from his control” (Fitzgerald 127). This shows how corrupt many of the character’s morals are regarding marriage. Before, Tom was the only one suspected of disloyalty in marriage. Now, it is obvious that Daisy is disloyal too, putting Wilson & Tom in the same position. Doctor T.J. Eckleburg also observes other moral decay found throughout the chapter such as the car crash. Daisy hit and killed Myrtle and Gatsby tells Nick how “She stood it pretty well” (146). Daisy must be morally corrupt if she can kill a person and be fine with it. I also thought the word vigil stood out in “Over the ashheaps the giant eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg kept their vigil” (127). At the end of the Chapter, Gatsby holds his own sort of vigil where he stays up all night to protect Daisy. Since the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg represent the eyes of God, I feel like maybe this connection is significant in supporting the idea that Gatsby is a great, God-like figure.
Your comment helped me in truly seeing the moral corruption within Daisy. Before, we have discussed it based off of being wealthy, but her odd reaction towards the manslaughter she is responsible for is thought provoking, if not unsettling. I also agree that the eyes of Doctor TJ Eckleburg represent God as he watches all these secrets collapse into one big mess.
T.j Eckleburg's eyes signifies as being watchful and some sort of warning to the characters in chapter 7. He is watching over Wilson's wife and knows that she is cheating on her husband. His eyes are not only knowledgeable but can be a sign of judgment as God being a powerful figure has the authority to judge. T.J's character's intensity can be inferred to the intensity God's judgment has. "I turn my head as though I had been warned of something behind." I also think that his eyes have a sense of control over characters in the novel because Myrtle looks behind a curtain trying to cover herself and her secret and I think that shows Myrtle being scared of T.J.
In this chapter, Doctor T. J. Eckleburg returns in a rather intense, nearly climatic moment regarding Tom. Before he, Nick and Jordan meet up with Daisy and Gatsby in the city, a turning point occurs when they stop for gas at Wilson's place. Tom goes into the meeting harping the sick George Wilson for gas and about selling cars, but as soon as it is brought up that Myrtle's affair (with Tom) has been discovered, "Doctor T. J. Eckleburg's faded eyes [come] into sight" (Fitzgerald 122). In that moment, Tom's guilt blossoms before God's eyes, as well as the reader's. We see his weak attemps at reconciliation in how he then freely offers his car to Wilson, who is the sickly opposite of Tom in both wealth and character. It also serves to create a sort of connection between these towo men, who at the end of the chapter lose a woman who means something very similar and yet completely different to them.
The eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckelburg seem to come up when God and religion are brought up. Before the valley of ashes Tom, Daisy, and Gatsby all play one another for their own benefit. All of them are not thinking about being fair yet using each other for their own gain. Gatsby is using Daisy against Tom because he feels he deserves her more than Tom does. This is because Gatsby constantly lives in the past. Tom is using Daisy because he has to have that perfect life. Which leads to Daisy that uses Gatsby for her own benefit to cheat on Tom but then clings to Tom because she has everything she needs. These conflicting aspects leads into where the eyes appear over the valley of ashes where Tom learns that Myrtle has a life that doesn't involve Tom in it and it upsets him. After the fighting between Gatsby and Tom in the city, Daisy surrenders her efforts and decides to go back to a normal life. So when her and Gatsby go back through the valley of ashes the eyes appear again when a murder of Myrtle occurs judging the choices chosen by all the characters involved. This all determines the path in which God sets forth for the rest of the story and all of its characters.
Sorry I forgot to put Period 1.
I agree with your comments on everyone using each other. Many of the characters are so selfish in their desires for lust and love and in the end, Gatsby is not better than Tom and Daisy is no better than Myrtle. Dr. Eckleburgs eyes simply watch over their sinful actions with scorn.
The eyes are introduced again to express the fact that you can not hide from God. Tom, Daisy, Myrtle, and Gatsby all have their own sinful secrets. Just like how you can not hide the truth from God, you can not hide the truth from other people forever. In the end, everything is brought to the light.
Chris, I agree with your interpretation of Dr. T.J Eckleburg's eyes. I believe that they represent god watching down on society. In the chapter the characters were unmoral, unethical, and sinful in different ways. The eyes always are there watching the people but are often overlooked which symbolizes how society has turned away from religion and is now corrupt.People have turned their back on god and now focus on wealth and material items.
Dr. T.J. Eckleburg presented himself in this chapter yet again. Although, I believe it is not entirely for the same purpose. This is the chapter where conflict begins to arise as the discovery of Wilsons wife's infedelity. He discusses how he was going to re-locate her and Nick believed that Tom and Gatsby were in the same boat. As the connection between Daisy and Gatsby became more apparent in thier trip to New York. In the begining of the novel we assocaited the eyes with the spiritual and moral coruption in America in revelation to achieve the American dream. The emphasis of T.J. Eckleburg now promotes the emptiness of the American dream (Tom). Tom was fortunate to have all his wealth handed to him, never giving him the pleasure of self-fullfitment. While someone from more Humble origins (Gatsby) are able to obtain the American Dream as a reward to thier commitment and sacrafice.
*Tom and Wilson are in the same boat*
I think that the reappearance of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg, especially his eyes are symbolic of the eyes of God sort of watching over the characters in the book. It could also foreshadow as well as put emphasis on the bad traits or the bad choices made by some of the characters. Nick says that “over the ashheaps the giant eyes of Doctor T.J Eckleburg kept their vigil, but [he] perceived, after a moment, that other eyes were regarding us with peculiar intensity from less than twenty feet away” (Fitzgerald 124). These eyes are covered up and people don't really pay attention to them kind of like they don't really acknowledge the presence of god in their lives.
The eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg are brought back into chapter 7, and they still symbolize the eyes of God. Fitzgerald introduces the eyes when he says, "Over the ash heaps the giant eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg kept their vigil, but I perceived, after a moment, that other eyes were regarding us with peculiar intensity from less than twenty feet away" (Fitzgerald 124). The eyes are there to show that God sees everything and knows everything that everyone does. It symbolizes that Gatsby and Daisy can not hide the truth forever. At some point their love will be know to everyone. Fitzgerald put the eyes there to point out all of the sinning and moral corruption happening within the story at this point in the novel.
The eyes are mentioned again when morality is about to come into play, again. The tension between Tom and Jay became so great that Daisy suggested going to the city. The preceding events makes it seem like it will be in the city where Tom and Jay finally go head to head. The eyes are briefly mentioned as they drive into the city, and t further proves that god is represented in the eyes. This moment signifies that god will see all that unfolds while in the city.
I think that's a good point to make, Renick. The eyes are faced towards the city, where most of the immoral happenings occur. I also believe that the eyes represent a higher power watching over the characters and how the eyes are described as faded to represent the fact that religion isn't as prominent anymore.
I feel as if the significance of the reappearance of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg has to do with him being connected as a God-like figure.His eyes symbolizes watfulness as people get from God. Fitzgerald states, ""Over the ashheaps the giant eyes of Doctor T.J Eckleburg kept their vigil." (Fitzgerald 124). I think that this was an example that connects to people believing that God is watching over them in every move that they make and feel that connection in Eckleburg's eyes.
Doctor TJ Eckleburg is brought back again in this chapter to show how the morals of some people aren't as they should be. Tom is cheating on his wife which is really wrong especially when she is as innocent as she is. She fell in love with Jay Gatsby years ago and he has reentered her life and she is now sneaking around with Gatsby behind Tom's back. She is well aware that Tom isn't good to her and knows that what he is doing is wrong. Now what she is doing is wrong and the morals of her are not the way they used to be. The eyes are watching what everyone is doing and show that morally these people aren't doing what they should be.
The characters once again see "Over the ash heaps the giant eyes of TJ Eckleburg kept their vigil" (124). Dr. Eckleburg becomes a Godlike figure, much like he was earlier in the novel to serve as a reminder if the ten commandments to not covet your neighbor's wife, and to not commit adultery. Much of the relationship between Gatsby and Daisy goes hand-in-hand with committing adultery, as Daisy is being disloyal to her husband, much like he has been doing to her.
I agree that Fitzgerald uses the eyes to represent God watching the low morals of the characters in the novel. However I think that its beyond just adultery and is really just about God always watching the actions of people whether they're good or bad. I say this because Fitzgerald doesn't use a word like "angry" or "disappointed" to describe the eyes, but instead uses "vigil" which just means focused which means they have the potential to see good human actions out of the characters.
I agree with you, Ryan. TJ Ekleburg is a used in a godlike sort of way. He is the overseer and is watching everyone as they love their lives commiting all these sins day by day
I like your idea here, relating this to the tenth commandments! I agree that the eyes easily can represent God, but I completely failed to realize that there's a direct correlation to the tenth commandments (God) and all of the sins of these characters.
Dr. TJ Eckleburg's ever-watching eyes are once again prominent in this chapter, possibly representing God's judgement of the scene that just went down between Gatsby, Daisy, and Tom. Wilson and Gatsby with their respective lovers both trying to leave the area perhaps shows that even with class divide and achieving the American dream, the basics of life never really change. And as God created everyone equal, this shows that the foundations of human nature don't change based on monetary status.
I also think that it is important to recognize the judgement of God in the events following the mention of the doctor. I think that that was Fitzgerald's main purpose because of the ways it was introduced: "Then as Dr. T. J. Eckleburg's faded eyes came into sight down the road, I remembered Gatsby's caution about gasoline" (Fitzgerald 122). Now, the question is not about what Fitzgerald meant to do, but it is very important to recognize that second idea.
I agree that it shows the equality of all people regardless of monetary stature but disagree that it's in the context of the foundations of human nature. Rather, I feel that the presence of 'god' represents the exposure of all of the immoralities the characters live in finally coming to light.
I feel like Scott Fitzgerald brought back the eyes in this chapter because he is saying that God is watching over everyone, even if they have forgotten about him. The eyes watch over the characters as they act shady. I also feel like Fitzgerald is pointing out that Daisy is now no different than her husband Tom and his mistress and that the eyes see that.
I agree with your comparison of the eyes and god. Even though people might have forgotten to stay faithful god he still catches everything that happens regardless. I think gods eyes are also looking down on society because of the shady characters and their actions.
The appearance of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg once is again in this chapter is significant because its as if he is an overseer or a comparison of a godlike figure. In the book Fitzgerald describes his eyes as "the giant eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg kept their vigil" (Fitzgerald 124) . This is the peak of the time where Daisy and Gatsby have an affair and Myrtle dies.
Alexis Blackmon, Period 1 2/17/2014 12:24:45 pm
Doctor T.J. Eckleburg's eyes are significant to the story because they represent the all seeing eye. I believe this shows that despite the religious aspect being a non factor for many characters in the story, God is still there. He is all seeing, and everywhere, even in what seems to be places that are hopeless, such as the valley of ashes. I think the description of the eye is significant as well. Nick points out, "The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg are blue and gigantic--their retinas are one yard high. They look out of no face but, instead, from a pair of enormous yellow spectacles which pass over a non existent nose" (Fitzgerald 27). The description gives the reader this eerie feeling, and also allows the reader to infer what the eye might mean.
In Chapter seven, the eyes of Doctor TJ Eckelburg make another appearance. Nick states that “over the ashheaps the giant eyes of Doctor T.J Eckleburg kept their vigil, but [he] perceived, after a moment, that other eyes were regarding us with peculiar intensity from less than twenty feet away” (Fitzgerald 124). Nick feels that Doctor Eckleburg's eyes are watching over everyone constantly. They are a god-like figure that sees all and hears all. These eyes foreshadow of all of the sins that will be committed in this chapter.
How do Eckelburg's eyes hear without ears?
I do not think that Nick actually feels that "Doctor Eckleburg's eyes are watching over everyone constantly". Doctor T.J. Eckleburg eyes represent the eyes of God metaphorically. Most people do not feel that God is watching them, they just assume that God is aware of their actions. Similarly Nick does not feel or think that Doctor T.J. Eckleburg is actually watching him, he just understands that he would disapprove of the misgivings and sinfulness of Tom, just as God would. Eckleburg's appearance is merely a metaphorical representation of how God looks down upon society, a society composed of mostly sinners and greediness.
Dr. TJ Eckleburg's eyes watching over everyone earlier in the book was a forshadowing that the way that people's morally corrupt ways of living could not continue because the eyes, which were assumed to represent God watching, would not allow it. The most recent description this far in the novel, "Over the ashheaps the giant eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg kept their vigil" (Fitzgerald 124) uses the keyword "vigil" to describe how they were watching them. He uses this word on purpose to show that he is very closely watching them despite them completely disregarding their morals.
I agree with you, however I think it is important to look at when Dr. T.J. Eckleburg makes his appearances in the novel. Both times that Fitzgerald describes Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, it is during times of corruption and sinning. In the case of Chapter 7, Daisy is essentially cheating on her husband, which would most defiantly be considered a sin, which is why Dr. T.J. Eckleburg is brought back up in the novel.
The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg represent the eyes of God, looking down upon his creations just as Eckleburg looks down upon the characters in the Great Gatsby. Eckleburg is similar to more of a deism type of God however, as he does not interfere with the characters lives. He only merely observes their wrong doings. He makes an appearance just as Tom's life is unraveling, with his wife rebelling against him and Wilson finding out about his affair with his wife. Tom finally experiences the repercussions of his sinfulness as, "his wife and his mistress, until an hour ago secure and inviolate, were slipping precipitately from his control (131). T.J. Eckleburg makes an appearance at this time in Tom's live to show that although sinning may be seem ok in the short run, in the end lies and misdeeds will eventually get up to unrepentant sinners.
The first time the doctors eyes are mentioned (as this is the second) it describes him overlooking the valley of ashes. Since the valley of ashes is a vile, dirty shrouded place with men kicking up the dust it gives the setting the persona of an immoral world and therefore, provides Doctor T. J. Eckleburg's eyes as the symbolic eyes of God. being a doctor, Eckleburg's eyes seem to be evaluating and judging the world but just as God, never intervening. This sybolic theory is solidified by the next scene of Tom's immoral life, as Nick "first [meets] Tom Buchanan’s mistress"(Fitzgerald 27). Now, see Doctor T. J. Eckleburg's eyes again but this time it is in a less symbolic, and more contextual setting. This time, Wilson is discussing his unfaithful wife as Nick catches sight of Eckleburg's eyes. The point in this section wasn't specifically Wilson's wife, but the multiple acts of adultery within the group: between Daisy and Gatsby, Tom and his mistress, and Wilson and his wife. And again this time similar to the last, the presence of the eyes almost seems to "brood on over the solemn dumping ground"(Fitzgerald 26) and judging the characters for their actions. The only difference here is that it seems as if God decides to 'pass judgement' on the group by exposing their immorality and sending them to ruin. Daisy announces her love for Gatsby and desire to leave Tom, and in a flurry of emotion kills Wilson's wife in a drive by accident. Not only can this be seen as the group paying for their sins, but can also foreshadow (as Wilson's wife was symbolic of Daisy's adulterous spirit in a way) future turmoil and tragedy concerning Daisy and Gatsby. Probably due to the fact that with the omnipresence of God also comes the shroud of death.
I believe that the overall idea of having Doctor T.J Eckleburg appear again in this chapter is to teach us all a lesson. Now, we all know that Eckleburg refers to the idea of god, and maybe Fitzgerald is trying to teach us about karma. We know that Tom and Myrtle have an affair going on and Gatsby and Daisy have an affair. Now because of all the affairs each person has karma returned to them. Tom karma is Daisy leaving him, " Daisy's leaving you... Nonsense... I am though"(133). Myrtle's karma is her sadly passing away, and Daisy's karma is her driving the car and hitting Myrtle which killed her.
Doctor T.J. Eckleburg's eyes are significant in this scene they're mentioned, especially because they're watching all of this drama/karma unfolding, ""..now I turned my head as though I had been warned of something behind. Over the ashheaps the giant eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg kept their vigil..." (124). Nick notices this right after he realizes that Tom, Daisy, and Wilson are very much in the same positions. I think it symbolizes how God is watching over them. Fitzgerald also uses the word "vigil" to describe how the eyes watch, and vigil is often used to describe as a period of time spent praying or watching, which directly relates to God. I believe he's commenting on how society just moves at their own pace, and does what they choose, and God let's them realize on their own that he always is there watching.
I agree with you Anna that the eyes relate to God, and He is watching them make destructive decisions. I like how you related Fitzgerald's word choice of "vigil" to describe it's relation to religion and what used to be valued in the eyes of God. Society does move at its own pace and doesn't necessarily care of the consequences. God knows what they're doing, but if no one follows Him, He lets them do what they please, right into the consequences of their actions.
I believe that the reintroduction of Eckleberg comes at a point in the book where the highest level of drama occurs. Tom is completely aware of the feelings Daisy has for Gatsby at this point and the tension between Tom and Gatsby continues to rise as when, for example, Tom tells Gatsby to ride with Jordan and Nick in his car and he and Daisy will drive Gatsby's. This moment shows how Tom immediately wants to confront Daisy about the incident and everything just seems awkward. The fact that Eckleberg is mentioned again is a reminder that he (as a seeming religious figure who is forgotten in ash) is still there watching the issues of the characters unfold and they still refuse to turn to some higher power, which eventually just makes things worse as the tension builds.
I totally agree with your idea of Eckleberg being that symbol of a higher power that always seems to be watching. I also agree with the importance of him being mentioned at the highest point of tension in the novel up to that specific moment. He is there almost to give the reader a feeling like there is always someone watching and to give the actions of the characters seem a little more meaningful knowing someone else is watching.
This is significant because it shows how God has kind of come back to judge and punish those who had turned their backs on Him. The secular lifestyle of the period has caused the main characters to have religion take a back seat, and they only turn to religion when they are in a time of need. In chapter 8 Michaelis says to Wilson "You ought to have a church, George, for times like this" (157). I think this, in addition to the reference to the eyes of T.J. Eckleburg towards the end of the story because it shows how God is trying to punish those who have stopped paying attention to Him. Myrtle is struck by Gatsby's car that is being driven by Daisy, they are directly underneath the eyes for T.J. Eckleburg, which represent God. This is an event that will eventually bring the death of not only Myrtle, but also Gatsby and Mr.Wilson. for Myrtle and Gatsby, they have broken one of the ten commandments "Thou shall not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shall not covet thy neighbor's wife". I think that the setting of this incident, underneath more or less the eyes of God, shows that judgment for sins will be had. As far as Wilson is concerned, I think that he is at fault for essentially loving his wife more than anything, including God. as the bible states "I the Lord your God am a jealous God" I think this is what brought the demise of Mr.Wilson was the fact that he had become so secular in his lifestyle that when he had his earthly loves taken from him, he snapped.
I believe that Fitzgerald brought back the eyes of T.J. Eckleburgint his chapter particularly because he showing once again the focus is not in the religion of staying faithful to god. The cloud of smoke is used to represent that his eyes are everywhere and he sees the characters sketchy ways.Fitzgerald explains “the giant eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg [that] kept their vigil” (Fitzgerald 101). This gives his eyes a deeper meaning you can never escape your actions because there's someone always watching.
I believe that Dr. Eckleberg's presence in this chapter symbolizes the overlooking power of God at all times. What gives that away for me is his eyes being described as "The giant eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleberg". To add to the point that in this chapter there is more tension and confrontation that any other chapter in the book,and i think the presents of Eckleberg reminds us that there is always a power that is more than us watching.
Stefan, I also agree that Dr. Eckleburg's presense is symbolizes the overlooking power of God. I like how you mad the connection that this is the most tension filled chapter in the novel thusfar. This allows readers to infer that another act immorailty is bound to take place between the characters and God will be watching it take place.
The eyes that got recognized twice in the chapter show up with great importance. The eyes of Dr. Eckleberg's are a physical representation of the God throughout the novel. Because of the novel's focus on the "American Dream". whatever that may be to some, it seems that spirituality is lost. But, the eyes--and God--will always be present even when people do things that are seen as wrong in the eyes of God but choose not to acknowledge their wrong-doing. But, Daisy does seem to have some sort of reorganization when it says, "[Daisy's] eyes fell on Jordan and me with a sort of appeal, as though she realized at last what she was doing--and as though she had never, all along, intended to do anything at all. But it was done now. It was too late" This would be a very similar comparison to Daisy eye's recognizing sin as Dr. Eckleburg's eyes recognizing sin. The further step is Daisy actually being able to do something about it because she is flesh whereas God is a spiritual being.
The doctors eyes have made a few occurrences throughout the novel. Most occur at times of conflict between relationships among characters. The eyes are symbolic of the "eyes of god." Many people believe that god is always watching, and therefore knows all that happens. Just like when the major conflict between Gatsby Daisy and nick occur, nick states: “that other eyes were [also] regarding [them] with peculiar intensity from less than twenty feet away” (Fitzgereld 131). This idea also goes along with the idea that everyone knows god is watching yet it does not influence their decision in what they decide to do. They will continue to make bad choices even when they know he is watching.
Doctor T.J. Eckleburg's apperance is significant because he is used to represent how god is always watching over his people. Specifically, Dr. Eckleburg is present when conflicts between Tom, Daisy, Gatsby have reached their peek. "...other eyes were regarding with peculiar intensity from less than twenty feet away" (Fitzgerald 131). I that Fitzgerald is trying to illustrate that God is watching them commit these immoral acts, and that they themselves are starting to realize their wrong doings. However, they have come to these realizations too late which might lead to consequences in the future.
Doctor T. J. Eckleburg is meant to represent God watching over people. The mentioning of him again brings up the lack of spirituality and religiosity among the characters. In this chapter, Nick says, "Over the ashheaps the giant eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg kept their vigil, but I perceived, after a moment, that other eyes were regarding us with peculiar intensity from less than twenty feet away" (Fitzgerald 124). I think that the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg are also meant to represent a sense of fear in the characters. It brings back a subject that was mentioned in the very beginning of the novel, making it come full-circle up to this point. Comments are closed. |
Besides Myrtles what other eyes are mentioned
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