Explain the significance and meaning of Dr. Eckleberg’s eyes in Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Be sure to explain the significance of the location of the billboard, the scenes in which the eyes are observed, and the relation to the theme of The Great Gatsby. Your response should be three to five sentences in length.
The eyes of Dr. Eckleberg on the billboard represent the presence of an omniscient figure watching over the characters in The Great Gatsby. The location of the billboard, overlooking the Valley of Ashes, symbolizes the decay and moral corruption of society. The eyes are observed in pivotal moments, such as when Tom takes Myrtle to New York City or when Nick first meets Gatsby, highlighting the characters' moral failings and the consequences of their actions. This symbolizes the theme of the novel, as the characters are constantly being judged for their materialism, lack of authenticity, and moral decay in the pursuit of the American Dream.
