What Does The Green Light Symbolize In The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby is a novel written by American author F. Scott Fitzgerald. In chapter five Gatsby said “You always have a green light that burns all night at the end of your dock.” Traditionally, people always think that green is the symbol of vitality, youth and spring. However in this novel, the author gives the "green light” another kind of symbolisation. The "green light” symbolize Gatsby’s hope and faith. The "green light” is the incarnate of Daisy. The "green light” also represent the American Dream. In this passage, the words “green light” are most important. Actually, the "green light” as a clue throughout the whole novel. The "green light" has appeared three times in this novel. The positions are in the beginning of the novel, in

the middle and in the end. And the middle one is the most important one. The first one is to pave for the middle one. The third one is to summarize the middle one. So this essay will argue that ‘‘If it wasn't for the mist we could see your home …… now vanished forever” in the chapter five is the key to The Great Gatsby.

Firstly, the "green light” is the source of Gatsby’s dream and hope for future.

In chapter one, Nick saw Gatsby stand there alone and towards the water and there was nothing except a single green light, minute and far away. It is the first time that the green light appear and the green light is described as ‘minute and far away’ which makes it seems impossible for Gatsby to reach. His dream is hard to achieve and his future is full of unknown. The first one paves for the second one. In this passage, ‘‘‘If it wasn't for the mist we could see your home across the bay,’ said Gatsby.” However, his hope and dream is quite hard to achieve. All of his thoughts about Daisy are just the fancy. Actually, the future is not as what he thought. In use of the word “mist” gives the impression that Gatsby’s future is unclear and even darkness. “You always have a green light that burns all night at the end of your dock.” The green light gives Gatsby hope. He believe that he can use money to repeat the past, to marriage Daisy, achieve his dream. All of Gatsby’s hope for future is based on money. Gatsby is a wealth man. He tried his best to seek money and hope that he can use these money to match Daisy's status and win her love. However, what he earn is the new money. He does not have wealthy family background and high social class. At that social background, the new money cannot make Gatsby’s dream become real and bring him a bright future. This passage is the extend of preceding. So this

passage is the key to The Great Gatsby.

Secondly, the "green light” is the incarnate of Daisy.

The green light located at the end of Daisy’s dock. In chapter four Jordan Baker said “But it wasn’t a coincidence at all.” “Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay.” Gatsby bought the huge house opposite to Daisy’s house and hold party. He just want to attract Daisy's attention and meet her again. Gatsby think that he can use money and wealth to get Daisy’s love. In chapter six: “Can’t repeat the past?” he cried incredulously. “Why of course you can!” Gatsby loves Daisy when he was a young officer. However, they did not stay tougher and get married because of the war. Five years passed, Gatsby believe he can repeat the past and win Daisy's love. Gatsby desire for Daisy is also his desire for the past. Every night he watch Daisy's house and the green light just like he watch Daisy. The green light is the incarnate of Daisy. In this passage ‘‘‘If it wasn't for the mist we could see your home across the bay,’ said Gatsby.” The image of the mist is like a barrier such as family background, social class, which between Gatsby and Daisy. It indicate that Gatsby and Daisy will not stay together and will not have a happy ending. This passage "Daisy put her arm through his abruptly, but he seemed absorbed in what he had just said. Possibly it had occurred to him that the colossal significance of that light had now vanished forever”. It seems that Gatsby has get Daisy and the meaning of the light has

disappeared. However, it is a temporary win. The “mist”, the barrier will still exist. This passage indicate the ending of the novel. So this passage is the key to The Great Gatsby.