The Great Gatsby: Symbolism in Chapters 1-4

The Valley of Ashes displays several important concepts and symbols. The ash that is scattered across the ground is generated from New York. It symbolizes the deterioration of the morality of the society and the poor and unfortunate. Another symbol that i thought was significant in this area was the billboard of the eye doctor. The doctor looks down on Tom and Nick at all times as they are in the Valley. I think that the doctor might symbolize god looking down on the people of the 1920's. The doctor watches the morality of the ever growing city diminish. The white fence that they pass by on the way to the gas station symbolizes the edge of the purity of West Egg. As they pass by it they enter the Valley of Ashes.