The American Dream is something most people want to achieve, but when trying to attain it he or she often fails. This is apparent in the novel The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The symbols in The Great Gatsby have various meanings for different characters. Overall, these images represent the failure of achieving the American Dream. Gatsby’s mansion represents himself and the wealth he possess. His possessions are part of conquering the American Dream, but they eventually lead to its collapse. Meanwhile, the eyes of Dr. T.J Eckleburg represent God, looking down at society in shame. Finally, the green light Gatsby sees across the river gives him the liberty to pursue the American Dream, but in the end, ends up leading to his failure
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Nick states in his own mind, “I thought of Gatsby’s wonder when he picked out the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock.” (180) Gatsby sees the light across the river, where Daisy lives, thus giving him the motivation to go after it. Moreover, since the green light is visible from Gatsby’s mansion, it seems his dream is so close yet so far away. “…a single green light, minute and far away, that might have been the end of a dock.” (21) Gatsby has one thing left to accomplish, which is getting Daisy to love him again, however she is married to Tom. Therefore, Gatsby tries to achieve the dream, but it will never happen and he must be satisfied with what he has accomplished thus far. Furthermore, Gatsby’s struggle to achieve his envision comes to a halt and finally fails. When Nick arrives to Gatsby’s mansion he says, “The chauffeur…heard the shots…” (161). Foremost, Gatsby tries to impress Daisy, but eventually it results in him taking the blame for the murder she commits, and ultimately leads to his death. If Gatsby is not greedy, wanting more than wealth, he would not be influenced by the green light. The colour green also represents money and the American Dream itself. Conversely, it symbolizes the reality of the American Dream and how difficult it is to achieve. Nick says, “Gatsby believed in the green light…” (180). In reality the American Dream is something that is impractical and most of the time is unattainable. Gatsby is relentless and makes multiple attempts to achieve it. Overall, the disintegration of the American Dream can be seen through the many different symbols Fitzgerald uses in the
Nick states in his own mind, “I thought of Gatsby’s wonder when he picked out the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock.” (180) Gatsby sees the light across the river, where Daisy lives, thus giving him the motivation to go after it. Moreover, since the green light is visible from Gatsby’s mansion, it seems his dream is so close yet so far away. “…a single green light, minute and far away, that might have been the end of a dock.” (21) Gatsby has one thing left to accomplish, which is getting Daisy to love him again, however she is married to Tom. Therefore, Gatsby tries to achieve the dream, but it will never happen and he must be satisfied with what he has accomplished thus far. Furthermore, Gatsby’s struggle to achieve his envision comes to a halt and finally fails. When Nick arrives to Gatsby’s mansion he says, “The chauffeur…heard the shots…” (161). Foremost, Gatsby tries to impress Daisy, but eventually it results in him taking the blame for the murder she commits, and ultimately leads to his death. If Gatsby is not greedy, wanting more than wealth, he would not be influenced by the green light. The colour green also represents money and the American Dream itself. Conversely, it symbolizes the reality of the American Dream and how difficult it is to achieve. Nick says, “Gatsby believed in the green light…” (180). In reality the American Dream is something that is impractical and most of the time is unattainable. Gatsby is relentless and makes multiple attempts to achieve it. Overall, the disintegration of the American Dream can be seen through the many different symbols Fitzgerald uses in the