Religion
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F. Scott Fitzgerald in his novel, The Great Gatsby, addresses the issue of fading religion in the 1920s. In a subtle way, Fitzgerald places the presence of a higher being in the novel, and it watches the actions of the main characters. This higher being, knows as Doctor T. J. Eckleburg, sees the transgressions of the doomed party but does not possess influence over the final decisions or fate of the group. From the previous colors literary section, one recalls the symbolism apparent in Dr. T. J. Eckleburg's blue eyes, covered by yellow spectacles, as showing the blindness of America to the reality of dreams, and symbolizing the corruption of religion. The absence of religion in the lives of Daisy, Gatsby, Nick, Jordan, Tom, and others allow them to lead lives of idleness, greed, and atheist beliefs. Each evades the consequences of his/her actions and hides from moral values which religion demands.