What Does The Green Light Symbolize In The Great Gatsby

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Throughout the novel, Gatsby stares out across the Sound at a green light. That green light above the horizon is Daisy’s. The light that has great meaning, especially to Gatsby. The light is his reminder of Daisy, and how he wishes to be with her every second of his life. The light which makes his mind rush with wonder and hope. The light that makes him dream of the better times with Daisy, and how he misses her so dearly. When Dutch sailors set out on their expedition to the New World, they were full of excitement, wonder, and hope. Excited to know what it’s like in the New World. Their hearts filled with wonder to know how beautiful the New World is and what it’ll bring. The Dutch sailors hope the New World will bring them happiness and prosperity into their lives. As they see the green trees of the New World’s coastline, their heads spin with thousands of thoughts. They eagerly want what the New World will bring into their lives. Gatsby relates to the sailors. Every time he looks out at Daisy’s dock and sees the green light above the horizon, it takes him back to the times of happiness. When he was with Daisy five years ago in Louisville, he’d never loved anyone as much as he loved Daisy. When Gatsby looked out to watch the light, it gave him hope. Hoping that one day, he’ll get Daisy back and have everything the way it …show more content…

He wants everything the way it was five years ago in Louisville, but Nick states that he cannot repeat the past, no matter how much he wants to. Gatsby then proceeds to deny the fact that you can’t. “Can’t repeat the past, why of course you can!... I’m going to fix everything the way it was, she’ll see” (110). Gatsby believes that he and Daisy will be back together, and everything will be the same as it was five years ago. He wants everything to come together like a piece of film being spliced together. To do this, he wants to remove Daisy and Tom’s relationship, and replacing it with

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