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What is the Green Light?

While only a few chapters into, "The Great Gatsby", a distinct symbol that has been presented multiple times, is the green light. At the end of chapter 1, we saw the green light as Nick spotted Gatsby, and later on, we see it again. "Involuntarily I glanced seaward--and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away, that might have been at the end of a dock" (Fitzgerald 21). This quote signifies how the green light has multiple meanings behind it. The green light represents Gatsby's undying love for daisy, the American dream, and wealth. Since the quote explains that the green light is on a dock, us readers can infer that this dock is daisy's house and with Gatsby staring at it, it shows his strong love for her. The green light also represents the American dream and wealth. This green light is not exactly tangible for Gatsby. Although Gatsby has seemed to achieved the American dream through his wealth, he did not do it the right way. Therefore, the unreachable green light portrays how Gatsby will strive to become as wealthy or high-class as he can in order to win over Daisy. Also, through the rest of the novel, the green light will serve as a constant reminder that Gatsby will strive for Daisy but only experience failure. Lastly, this green light contrasts with the "golden light" that Daisy seems to give off. This shows that even though, both Gatsby and Daisy are wealthy, Daisy's wealth is more pure and comes from her social-class. While, on the other hand, Gatsby wealth comes from his illegal activities.

Comments

  1. Sabrina SongNovember 9, 2019 at 5:35 PM

    I'm really glad that you discussed the symbol of the green light because we haven't talked about it in class yet. I really liked your comment about how the light serves as a constant reminder of Gatsby's failures because it's such a subtle detail that still stands out.

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  2. Ashley DavisNovember 10, 2019 at 11:33 AM

    I never thought to think of the difference between the colors of the lights that Daisy and Gatsby are described with by being golden vs green. I think you analyzed the motif of the light very well!

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  3. Grace DalyNovember 10, 2019 at 1:02 PM

    I loved how you picked this motif to talk about because I think as the novel develops, the green light will become really important! I think you analyzed it very will and I do agree that it has something to do with his urge to love Daisy.

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