Harold Bloom, the author of Modern Critical Interpretations of the Great Gatsby, said “Never has symbolism played such a crucial part in the very foundation of a novel as it does in Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece, The Great Gatsby”. According to “Studies in in Literature and Language” of CSC Canada, symbolism emphasises the expression of subjective spirit and personal inner world. Through the symbolism in a work, readers can get insight into the writer’s creative realm. Fitzgerald uses symbolism such as the valley of the ashes, the colour white, and the green light to portray themes such as corruption, poverty, and the American dream throughout the novel.
The valley of the ashes -- the area between the West and East Egg -- represents absolute …show more content…
The green light first appears in chapter 1, as Nick “distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away, that might have been the end of a dock.” (33) This light, at the end of Daisy’s dock, represents Gatsby’s wish to get back with Daisy, a woman who was full of prosperity and high status. The words “impossible to reach” (33) suggests how Gatsby’s dream is unattainable; thus, this green light is nothing more than the hope for a bright future. In order to achieve his dream, Gatsby flaunts his wealth by frequently throwing parties. He has guests “diving from the tower of his raft” (47). In weekends, “his Rolls-Royce became an omnibus, bearing parties to and from the city, between nine in the morning and long past midnight.” (47) Gatsby believes that people could achieve the American dream if they put in the effort, regardless of their family history, financial resources, or social status. Gatsby strives to accomplish his American dream by raising his social and financial status from being a boy who wore a “torn green jersey and a pair of canvas pants” (91) to a man of complete luxury. Thus, Gatsby shows his opulence to society to prove that he has conceptually reached the American dream. He has been living a life longing to fulfill his American dream - a life full of money, success and social status. However, apart from the generic factors that make up the typical American dream, Gatsby wanted more - he wanted acceptance from Daisy. Even if he has a luxurious house full of people and the limelight on him, he still longs for Daisy. To attain Daisy would be completing Gatsby’s American Dream, and the green light represents Gatsby’s lifelong wish. Even after Gatsby’s death, Nick reflects on the past and ends the novel by hinting the same symbol. “Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future
The valley of the ashes -- the area between the West and East Egg -- represents absolute …show more content…
The green light first appears in chapter 1, as Nick “distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away, that might have been the end of a dock.” (33) This light, at the end of Daisy’s dock, represents Gatsby’s wish to get back with Daisy, a woman who was full of prosperity and high status. The words “impossible to reach” (33) suggests how Gatsby’s dream is unattainable; thus, this green light is nothing more than the hope for a bright future. In order to achieve his dream, Gatsby flaunts his wealth by frequently throwing parties. He has guests “diving from the tower of his raft” (47). In weekends, “his Rolls-Royce became an omnibus, bearing parties to and from the city, between nine in the morning and long past midnight.” (47) Gatsby believes that people could achieve the American dream if they put in the effort, regardless of their family history, financial resources, or social status. Gatsby strives to accomplish his American dream by raising his social and financial status from being a boy who wore a “torn green jersey and a pair of canvas pants” (91) to a man of complete luxury. Thus, Gatsby shows his opulence to society to prove that he has conceptually reached the American dream. He has been living a life longing to fulfill his American dream - a life full of money, success and social status. However, apart from the generic factors that make up the typical American dream, Gatsby wanted more - he wanted acceptance from Daisy. Even if he has a luxurious house full of people and the limelight on him, he still longs for Daisy. To attain Daisy would be completing Gatsby’s American Dream, and the green light represents Gatsby’s lifelong wish. Even after Gatsby’s death, Nick reflects on the past and ends the novel by hinting the same symbol. “Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future