Great Gatsby Symbolism

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Bailey Grady Ms. Hughes American Literature 16 May 2014 Prompt 6- Symbolism Symbolism is a main component in the development of the story in The Great Gatsby. One of The main symbols in this story is the green light. Jay Gatsby is always starring off at the green light that is across the bay from his house. Gatsby believes in this green light and the possibilities that it brings. Gatsby bought his house across the bay from Daisy so that he can be close to her and this green light is at the end of her dock. This green light symbolizes a woman named Daisy, repeating the past, and the orgastic future. At the beginning of The Great Gatsby, Nick is looking out his window and sees Gatsby reaching his arms out as if he is trying to grab something. Nick glances out over the bay “and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far way, that might have been the end of a dock” (Fitzgerald 21). Nick is confused as to why Gatsby is reaching towards that green light and looks out over the water and sees nothing but the faint glowing of a green light. He determines that is most likely the end of someone’s dock. Nick does not yet know that it is at the end of Daisy’s dock and that Gatsby is trying to reach Daisy. Gatsby is showing Daisy around his house after they meet for tea at Nick’s house. They are outside his house around the pool and backyard when Gatsby points out the green light to Daisy. “‘If it wasn’t for the mist we could see your home across the bay,’ said Gatsby. ‘You always have a green light that burns all night at the end of your dock’” (Fitzgerald 92). Gatsby is pointing out to Daisy that he can see her house across the bay. The symbolic movement of Gatsby reaching for the green light, in... ... middle of paper ... ...ng his whole life since Daisy and he split to prove himself to her and for him to reach that perfect relationship with her. Gatsby’s dream is to reach that green light which represents perfect happiness and a perfect relationship with Daisy. Gatsby builds up all his wealth so that he can live across the bay from Daisy and reach for her dock every night thinking he is getting closer and closer to her. Gatsby waits for the perfect opportunity to finally meet Daisy hoping he can restore their relationship to the way it was five years ago. This green light is what Gatsby believes in and is trying to get to throughout the whole novel of The Great Gatsby. The green light plays a very important role in shaping this book because throughout it Gatsby hints at this green light which correlates with his ideal relationship with the woman of his dreams, Daisy Buchanan.

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