Michaelis notes that the eyes of Dr. Eckleburg are

Michaelis notes that the eyes of Dr. Eckleburg are

• A. an omen of doom
• B. a symbol of moral judgment
• C. just an advertisement
• D. a sign of divine judgment

Answer: (C)

This item tests recognizing how a symbol can begin as a literal detail in the text. Michaelis describes the billboard as a real advertising sign for Dr. Eckleburg’s optometry business, so his note frames the eyes as simply an advertisement in the landscape of the valley of ashes. That direct description is why the choice identifying them as an advertisement fits best: it relies on what is explicitly presented, not on attributions of omen, judgment, or divinity that the symbol might evoke later in the narrative. The other readings—omen of doom, moral judgment, or divine judgment—are valid interpretations the novel invites, but they go beyond what Michaelis explicitly notes in that moment and reflect broader symbolic implications Fitzgerald develops as the story unfolds.

This item tests recognizing how a symbol can begin as a literal detail in the text. Michaelis describes the billboard as a real advertising sign for Dr. Eckleburg’s optometry business, so his note frames the eyes as simply an advertisement in the landscape of the valley of ashes. That direct description is why the choice identifying them as an advertisement fits best: it relies on what is explicitly presented, not on attributions of omen, judgment, or divinity that the symbol might evoke later in the narrative. The other readings—omen of doom, moral judgment, or divine judgment—are valid interpretations the novel invites, but they go beyond what Michaelis explicitly notes in that moment and reflect broader symbolic implications Fitzgerald develops as the story unfolds.