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
Fitzgerald shows that people are in general hopeful, and that the fulfillment of their dream will not necessarily secure happiness in life. Gatsby tries to fulfill his dream of reuniting with Daisy, but because of his heritage or lack of heritage he encounters some obstacles. Money was a focus of Gatsby's ever since he met Dan Cody, so it is fair to say that James Gatz has been pursuing the "green light" his entire life. Fitzgerald shows the connection between the "green light" and Daisy when Gatsby, at the Buchanan's waterfront, says, "I'm right across the bay from you" (124). As the plot progresses more and more details of Gatsby's and Daisy's relationship emerge. Fitzgerald makes the difference between Daisy and Gatsby clear when he says, " She vanished into her rich house, into her rich, full life, leaving Gatsby-nothing" (157). So, the "green light" that symbolizes the purpose of Gatsby's life, which is Daisy, also symbolizes the money that is required to achieve her. This gesture by Gatsby shows that the "green light" is something of importance to him, it is in effect a personal symbol of something. Even after Gatsby encounters the harsh reality that Daisy is married, Gatsby is still hopeful that one day he will be with her. It is clear that Daisy enjoys a large amount of wealth, but its importance to Daisy only becomes clear when Fitzgerald's reveals her motives for marrying Tom. The "green light" symbolically represents Gatsby's desire for money, but it also represents Gatsby's undying hope. The "green light" symbolizes Daisy, far from Gatsby but in his sight, leading him onward through life--giving him a point of reference to judge his accomplishments. When Gatsby first met Daisy he quickly realized that his enlistment in the army granted him a means of hiding his background. Fitzgerald uses the "green light" to symbolize Gatsby's desire and importance of money. Fitzgerald's use of the "green light" to symbolize Daisy and the fact that the "green light" is something that Gatsby wants to obtain is, therefore, comparable to Gatsby's desire for money.
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