What Does The Light Symbolize In The Great Gatsby

What is a real story without a more significant meaning? In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s, The Great Gatsby, symbols are fundamental in the story telling of the novel. Symbols help readers come to a better understanding, by alluding to the more significant message without the use of an explanation. Through the use of a billboard, geographical location, and beacon, symbolism is thoroughly displayed. It is apparent Fitzgerald’s use of symbols such as the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg, The Valley of Ashes, and the green light, are put in the novel to help readers gain a deeper understanding that God is always observing, the separation of the poor from the rich, and Jay Gatsby’s end goal respectively. To begin, the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg is a

Indeed, Daisy is Gatsby’s American dream and pursuit of happiness, considering all his work to become wealthy was for her. Evidently, Nick makes an observation of Gatsby, stating, “But I didn’t call for him…he stretched out his arms toward the dark water…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. When I looked once more for Gatsby he had vanished…” (20-21). In this quotation, it is evident that Gatsby is reaching towards a green light, which comes from Daisy’s dock. Gatsby being unable to fully reach the light before vanishing into the night foreshadows his unsuccessfulness in pursuing Daisy, also representing his American dream and pursuit of happiness, suggesting his end goal is unachievable from the beginning. In addition, Gatsby believes in his ability to win Daisy, and their future together. However, once Gatsby meets his sudden demise, Nick states, “Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us.” (180). Indeed, Gatsby fails to acquire Daisy, resulting in the loss of his idea of the American dream and pursuit of happiness. Nevertheless, his belief in the green light is what pushes him to strive for what he desires most, and end goal. The green light symbolizes Gatsby’s optimism in the American dream, believing if he works hard enough he could achieve his end goal. To conclude, the green light represents Daisy, which is Gatsby’s American dream and pursuit of happiness, as well as his unachievable