The Green Light

This book has been considered by many a symbol for the "Jazz Age," a time of extraordinary wealth and promise, but Fitzgerald's novel is much more than that, presenting the truth behind the twenties and creating an atmosphere which has earned a permanent place in American literature. His novel works on many different levels, giving us unforgettable characters and events on one, as well as referring to the problems of American wealth and spirituality on another. And most importantly, what on earth is that mysterious green light? "Involuntarily I glanced seaward - and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away, that might have been the end of a dock. When I looked once more for Gatsby he had vanished, and I was alone again in the unquiet darkness." So now this brings to our attention the first symbol in this book - that mysterious green light. When he first mentions the light, we see Gatsby reaching out for it, almost worshipping it. We find out later that this green light is at the end of Daisy's dock and is a symbol for Gatsby's dream and the hope for the future. Green is the color of promise, hope, and renewal, so it is fitting that Gatsby's dream of a future with Daisy be shown physically in the novel by this green light. However, Gatsby's dream is tarnished by his material possessions, much like America is now with our obsession with wealth. This will soon corrupt him and Gatsby's dream dies because of Daisy, Gatsby, and Tom's carelessness and superficiality. At first we are given the green light as a symbol for the hope and promise of the future. Later, it is consdered the "foul wasteland" of the present. This can be interpreted as the foul, material-driven world that the main characters live in and which helps to destroy Gatsby's dream. Soon Daisy tells Gatsby that he reminds her of an advertisement. This statement shows that Daisy does not like Gatsby for himself but for the superficial illusion he represents. On a larger scale, it is through advertising that the material aspects of the American Dream are revealed. He also advertises eternal youth, wealth, and beauty constantly,which goes along with Gatsby's youthful dream of Daisy.