the glasses on the billboard
what do the glasses represent in the Great Gatsby?
3 Answers
Eyes + glasses means that he watches over everything that goes on around in the valley. His glasses have yellow rims which symbolize being corrupt, in two different ways: all he sees is corruptness, and he sees through the eyes of someone who is corrupt.
Consider what glasses do: sharpen images; provide clearer focus; even changes the appearance of the wearer. Consider, too, where the billboard displaying the ad is located overlooking the valley of ashes, almost God-like. Focus on the entire scene when determining what it means, not just an isolated image. There are a variety of motifs from which to choose: corruption, dishonesty, power, desire. See which one works for you.
The GOLD or YELLOW rim of the eyeglasses in The Great Gatsby represent the desire for wealth and materialistic things - specifically gained through corruption. The presence of glasses represents moral blindness.






