Overlooking this ash heap of the present are the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg,
which change in meaning throughout the novel. In chapter two, they symbolize
materialism and advertising gone mad, showing how corrupt the American
Dream and American idealism have become. However, later in the novel
his eyes are compared to those of God - changing their meaning to a
more spiritual one - symbolizing how American spirituality has been
corrupted by our quest for wealth and material possessions.