What Does The Green Light Symbolize In The Great Gatsby

In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, symbolism can be recognized at almost any point in the novel. It takes the story to another level, giving a second set of meanings to the characters, their houses, and any other surrounding environments. Fitzgerald uses this technique to connect the book back to his own life. His experiences and emotions can be seen through those of the main character’s, Jay Gatsby. It is no secret that he wanted the readers to be able to understand how he felt about certain situations he went through. The valley of ashes, the green light, and even his own name play an important role in the abstract side to this novel. Jay Gatsby was not always such a rich man who threw flashy parties every Saturday night. He started

That is, the one at Daisy’s dock visible from his house. In the first chapter, the narrator explains, “...he stretched his arms out toward the dark water in a curious way, and far as I was from him I could have sworn he was trembling” (25-26). In this scene, it looks as if he is physically trying to grasp it in his hands. This makes it very obvious from the beginning that he desperately wants something he just cannot have. He was not trembling in fear, but only in an overwhelming desire that has taken over his every move. He would not be living this extravagant lifestyle if it was not for what is on the other side of the green light. This theme is present throughout the novel in that Gatsby never seems satisfied. He has so much and still longs for something more. It is a daily reminder and is what pushes him to keep trying harder to become the perfect man for Daisy. The fact that the light is green also represents a number of things. Firstly, it simply means “go.” It is a motivator to go get whatever is wanted from life and do not stop. Secondly, it can stand for jealousy. Gatsby could be jealous of Tom Buchanan, Daisy’s husband, because Tom has what Jay wants. Jay earned everything he owns and it is not enough, yet all Tom had to do was be born. Every decision Gatsby made was based on that faint yet incredibly influential