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Great Gatsby

 

            
             Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is read in many college level English courses. The importance of Fitzgerald's writing is derived from his mastery of incorporating figurative language into his work. Throughout The Great Gatsby there are many examples of Fitzgerald's use of symbolism and imagery. Fitzgerald uses symbolism to show certain qualities that surround each character. Many of the symbols in The Great Gatsby are associated with colors, which effectively compounds their importance. Almost every character or event in Fitzgerald's novel is described by particular colors, therefore adding meaning to events that are taking place. Fitzgerald uses the color green in many descriptions of Gatsby's possessions and of Gatsby himself. The most important symbolic use of the color green is in association with the light on the end of Daisy's dock. The "green light" that is seen throughout the novel has important an important symbolic position in the plot. What symbolic meaning does the "green light" have in Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby?.
             Fitzgerald uses the "green light" to symbolize Gatsby's quest for Daisy. The "green light" is first seen at Gatsby's introduction to the story. The significance of the "green light" is quickly seen when Nick encounters Gatsby on his dock with his arms stretch seaward trembling in the direction of a "single green light, minute and far away, that might have been the end of a dock" (26). This gesture by Gatsby shows that the "green light" is something of importance to him, it is in effect a personal symbol of something. As the plot progresses more and more details of Gatsby's and Daisy's relationship emerge. It becomes clear when Gatsby visits the Buchanan's home that the "green light" symbolizes Daisy. Gatsby visits the Buchanan's home. Fitzgerald shows the connection between the "green light" and Daisy when Gatsby, at the Buchanan's waterfront, says, "I'm right across the bay from you" (124).


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