The Greenlight
F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is read in many college level English courses. The importance of Fitzgerald's writing is derived from his mastery of incorporating figurative language into his work. Throughout The Great Gatsby there are many examples of Fitzgerald's use of symbolism and imagery. Fitzgerald uses symbolism to show certain qualities that surround each character. Many of the symbols in The Great Gatsby are associated with colors, which effectively compounds their importance. Almost every character or event in Fitzgerald's novel is described by particular colors, therefore adding meaning to events that are taking place. Fitzgerald uses the color green in many descriptions of Gatsby's possessions and of Gatsby himself. The most important symbolic use of the color green is in association with the light on the end of Daisy's dock. The "green light" that is seen throughout the novel has important an important symbolic position in the plot. What symbolic meaning does the "green light" have in Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby? Fitzgerald uses the "green light" to symbolize Gatsby's quest for Daisy. The "green light" is first seen at Gatsby's introduction to the story. The significa
Finally, Fitzgerald uses the "green light" to symbolically portray Gatsby's undying hope. Gatsby's purpose of living on West Egg stems from the hope of one day encountering Daisy and the possibility of starting where the relationship had left off. It was the hope of impressing Daisy that led Gatsby to spend a fortune on his house, cars, boat, and lifestyle. Nick acknowledges Gatsby's undying hope when he says, "it was an extraordinary gift for hope, a romantic readiness such as I have never found in any other person and which it is not likely I shall ever find again" (6). Nick realizes that Gatsby is gifted with an optimistic hope that if he works hard enough, and has enough money, he will get what he desires--Daisy. Even after Gatsby encounters the harsh reality that Daisy is married, Gatsby is still hopeful that one day he will be with her. After learning about Daisy's child with Tom, Gatsby is still certain that she will choose him. Gatsby's undying hope is most evident after Daisy proclaims that she had loved Tom and then returns home to East Egg. Though Daisy proved Gatsby wrong by admitting that she had loved Tom, he was still hopeful that they would be together. One sees Gatsby's unwavering hope after his all night vigil at the Buchanan's house, when Nick says, "He wouldn't consider it. He couldn't possibly leave Daisy until he knew what she was going to. He was clutching at some last hope and I couldn't bear to shake him free" (155). The "green light" is symbolic of Gatsby's hope of one day being with Daisy. It is Gatsby's hope that pushes him to build his wealth, and it is Gatsby's hope that allows him to concentrate his life on the pursuit of Daisy. The idea of the "green light" is always there for Gatsby it shows him the way to happiness, or so he thinks. Therefore, just as the "green light" symbolizes Daisy, and Gatsby's pursuit of wealth, it also symbolizes his hope which is at the root of the light's other symbolic meanings. Secondly, Fitzgerald uses the "green light" to symbolize money and its importance to Gatsby. Gatsby tries to fulfill his dream of reuniting with Daisy, but because of his heritage or lack of heritage he encounters some ob
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Approximate Word count = 1478
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)
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