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Symbols In The Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald

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The Significance of Symbols in The Great Gatsby Young children often dream of the most extraordinary things. They are so passionate about their ideas, it seems as if nothing can pull them away from it. Their little hearts are set on their dreams, set in their ways. As children grow and come to understand the world around them, society often diminishes those dreams; however, those who do not let their dreams slip through the cracks, and hold onto their ideas from the past, can lose sight of what is right. Oftentimes, people will compromise their morals in order to fulfill their deepest hopes and desires. In the author F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald uses multiple symbols to reveal the true corruptions of dreams and …show more content…

He only has eyes for Daisy. Every action in his life has been for her. Gatsby buys his mansion directly across from her home. Each night he stares at the green light and reaches for it, always striving to get a little closer: “He stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way, and, far as I was from him, I could have sworn he was trembling” (Fitzgerald 18). Gatsby and Daisy have a past relationship that ended when he went off to war; however, he never loses hope that things can go back to the way they were before. He will do whatever it takes to get it back, even if it means abandoning everything he has ever thought to be true and falling victim to societal views. The distance of the light symbolizes the hopes and dreams Gatsby is forever striving for, all surrounding Daisy. It shows how far and unattainable dreams can go. The colour green represents wealth and desire. He did whatever he had to do to acquire his fortune. He was able to justify the illegal business he takes part in because he believes it will translate into his dream of getting Daisy back. As Gatsby tries to reach his dream, he can lose sight of what is just and become filled with the overwhelming desire to sacrifice anything he

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