Symbolism in "The Great Gatsby" by F.Scott Fitzgerald and "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams

Both Fitzgerald and Williams made use of the historical period of their respective texts The Great Gatsby and The Glass Menagerie were written to deliver a warning about the dangers of undying belief in dreams and illusions and also to highlight moral deterioration. Both authors also invite their readers to make judgements about how the social position of characters influences their decisions and actions. In addition, both The Glass Menagerie and The Great Gatsby highlight how meaningless material possessions are. In particular, the character of Jay Gatsby demonstrates how even the richest man in the world cannot have everything. Although his wealth drew Daisy closer to him, he never truly could have possessed her heart. He demanded Daisy to state that she had never loved Tom Buchanan. "Oh, you want too much!" she cried to Gatsby, "I love you now--isn't that enough? I can't help what's past. I did love him once--but I loved you too." As highlighted in this Essay, it is through the use of symbolism in both texts that the authors' key ideas can be developed, and a certain response can be drawn from the reader.…