Respected author, F. Scott Fitzgerald, in his critically acclaimed novel, The Great Gatsby, exposes the moral degradation of society in the early 1920’s. He criticizes the “American Dream” for its romanticized philosophy and overall unattainability through the use of multiple rhetorical strategies such as metaphor, symbolism,and imagery. One of the most prominent symbols is the TJ Eckleberg sign, which is used to represent the eyes of God. It watches the valley to emphasize the irreverent behaviors conducted by many in order to achieve the American Dream. Through paradoxical imagery, Fitzgerald depicts the Valley of Ashes as a spiritual and cultural wasteland where the American Dream perishes. He utilizes harsh visualizations to juxtapose
