In Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby, symbolism sets up the reader to fully understand the plot and character's actions in the story. The green light is an especially profound symbol that develops the relationship between Gatsby and Daisy. Found in all sorts of literature, the color green usually pertains to harmony or balance. This applies to Gatsby and Daisy considering Gatsby wants a stable and romantic relationship with Daisy. Fitzgerald includes the symbol of the green light as a representation of Gatsby and Daisy's complicated relationship, which commences with Gatsby's obsessive desire and longing for Daisy, progresses with confusion in their partnership, and concludes with an inescapable fate. .
When the light is first introduced, Fitzgerald clues the reader into the fact that this green light seems distant and unattainable. Nick Carraway, the novel's narrator, presents the green light when he says, "Involuntarily I glanced seaward- and distinguished nothing but a single green light, minute and faraway, that might have been at the end of the dock " (Fitzgerald 21). The green light at this point signifies a dream or unrealistic future. Gatsby continually idolizes Daisy, and fantasizes of having a life with his true love. Later in the story, the reader finds out that Gatsby buys this mansion across from Daisy solely to grow closer to her and to someday impress and attain her. This extravagant gesture suggests that this love for Daisy is excessive. Gatsby blinds himself by this life-consuming desire, that he would go to any extent to have Daisy entirely back in his life. The obsessiveness of Gatsby's love for Daisy takes a turn when Gatsby invites Daisy to his mansion. .
At this point in the novel, Nick reintroduces Daisy to Gatsby and a spark in their relationship reignites, nonetheless, leads to questioning the reality of this romance. Gatsby tells Daisy, "If it wasn't for the mist we could see your home across the bay " (92).
