Pop Culture in TGG

The symbolism of the green light on the end of Daisy’s dock, Doctor T.J. Eckleburg’s eyes over the Valley of Ashes are symbols of yearning, and surveillance within society. They have connected to our cultural conscience, not simply by commenting on Gatsby’s own dream, but on the overall societal expectations and inequalities that remain present. Gatsby’s cultural impact is felt to this day from Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 film adaptation to memes and fashion labels copying the appearance of the Roaring Twenties. His story of eventual demise remains a cautionary one in an era that continues to prioritize looks over substance. Gatsby’s style has returned in the 21st century, particularly in clothing. The 1920s, with their flapper skirts, pearls, and dinner jackets streamlined for the age, have been reincarnated in everything from high-fashion runway shows to theme parties. But the fascination with the decade isn’t about fashion it’s about the glamour of excess, the same reason we can’t get enough of social media stars today. We worship the rich and famous, drawn by the flashy bling on the surface without looking deeper to the actual issues behind. Even memes and fan art featuring Gatsby have the same cultural relevance. Funny or serious, they relate to the novel’s enduring impact on our conception of money, love, and identity. Gatsby’s story has transcended literature and become a mirror to modern society, showing us how little has changed in our collective desires and terrors.