The Great Gatsby: Billboard

Out of the many symbols in this book, the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg are vey important. Although this doctor is never introudced into the story as a character, the eyes seem to be watching at key points in the novel. "Standing behind him Michaelis saw with a shock that he was looking at the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg which had just emerged pale and enormous from the dissolving night." (pg. 167). This billboard was over the valley of ashes that Nick mentions in the story. This to me seems like the eyes of God looking down on the morally barren society of America. Everyone has a dream, but will do whatever it takes to get that dream. Gatsby got his money by questionable ways, and Tom has affairs with a woman in New York City. There are plenty of dreams to be had in America, but also many temptations.