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What Is The Meaning Of Nothing Except The Green Light In The Great Gatsby

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Nathan Bush Mrs. Thomas AP Lang April 15, 2024 Unity in Diversity While the American dream has a profound factor in being an American, the true essence of this idea lies beyond its pursuit. The American dream promotes prosperity, success, and new horizons, however the core of being an American comes through the embrace of a variety of different ideologies. Those are the acceptance and cooperation of its people regardless of political background, racial upbringing, and other diversities; fostering a healthy environment in which those are able to grow together in community. The American dream is a huge aspect of the true definition that being an American represents. Through the American dream, we are pushed to follow key actions to become closer …show more content…

distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away. . . . When I looked once more at Gatsby, he had vanished,” In this instance, the light represents that end goal that Gatsby was reaching for in his ongoing pursuit of the American dream. While this light symbolizes his lost love, Daisy, it could also be symbolizing financial success and social acceptance. The fact that he is unable to access this light displays his commitment to these goals. While he is constantly reaching for these unattainable aspirations, we see his determination, further emphasizing the idea of the American dream. As this ideology is developed throughout the book, we are reminded of this instance as we gain the true meaning of the light, “Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter—tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms further. And one fine morning—So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” This captures the essence of this focus on the American dream. Nick finally grasps Gatsby's continuous effort to reclaim what's lost, however there is also an ironic undertone as he comes to realize that the more we strive for our ultimate future, the more we're pulled back to our past desires and …show more content…

He references the constitution and Bible several times throughout this speech, emphasizing the idea that all are equal no matter their background. “I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; ‘and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together,’” Here, he makes a direct reference to the bible itself, using the showing how through the glory of the Lord, we are all to be unified together in a strong sense of community. He held strongly to these beliefs, claiming that in order to call yourself a true American, you first need to hold true to these beliefs. He underscored the importance of equal treatment throughout his speech, regardless of background, further supporting his definition of being a true American. Being an American, equity is one of the most important values that one can possess. Ironically, the US Government did not offer equality for all, despite stating so in the constitution written at the end of the American Revolution. Benjamin Banneker pointed out this fatal flaw to Thomas Jefferson in his

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