Great Gatsby

Through the chosen quote, Fitzgerald reveals the vital ideas of the American Dream to show how it has been dominated due to the adoption of materialism and industrialization, and so; he emphasizes on the materialistic aspect of the American dream which leads to disenchantment and misery. In addition, the implementation of different colors allows for color symbolism to show the destruction of the American Dream

At the end of the story, it is Nick’s last night in West Egg, Gatsby is dead and Nick finally realizes the truth about the American Dream and the about life. Taking a closer look at the quote, it says “Gatsby believed in the green light”, the green symbolizing the American Dream within distance. By Fitzgerald using the word “orgiastic”, meaning sexually aroused, to describe the future, he is revealing the hopes and wants of Gatsby; the pinnacle of life which haven’t come to fruition yet. Instead, his future “recedes before us” because year by year Gatsby wants to get farther away, he keeps trying to reach this American Dream and so, he believes he is getting closer to reaching it. The switch to first person in using the word “us” appeals to everyone in society because just like Gatsby, we are all searching for something we can’t have, we all experience dreams that are nothing but just dreams but for some reason, we try to make them reality. And even after we keep failing “we will run faster, stretch our arms farther” hoping for something big to happen; essentially, we are going to keep grasping onto this loose air and keep trying. By adding “one fine morning” Fitzgerald is emphasizing how Gatsby’s dream is dead. And in one fine morning, we will wake to unwrap the truth behind the American Dream… that’s it nothing but just ...

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... burning from inside out, and left along the valley of ashes. By Fitzgerald implementing the expression “ghostly heart” he is also suggesting the dangerous, destructive nature of love (95).

In full analysis, the quote ties back to the concept of Manifest Destiny (we are destined to expand over the country and God gives us guidance) and it shows how that stage, that mentality, will never end. We, as a country, will always want more to call our own and always to expand our culture. The green light also symbolizes American’s greed and future, and how if we continue to live this way without seeking change, we will wind up in the valley of ashes, under the eyes of Dr. Eckleburg, which is representation of God. Thus, we cannot escape his eyes, for he sees all; therefore, we cannot break loose of these religious takeovers but we must be mindful of the existence of nature.