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Green Light In The Great Gatsby

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Dreams only exist when one is asleep and the American Dream is no exception. Given its desirable nature, it is no surprise that this controversial promise of a fulfilling life forms the central idea of countless literary works. The most notable reflection on this topic is undeniably F. Scott. Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. In this novel, the green light demonstrates the unrealistic quality of the American Dream. Furthermore, specific colors are used to show its negative impacts on pursuers. Finally, the Valley of Ashes illustrates the cost of the Dream. Thus, it is incontrovertible that Fitzgerald uses symbols in order to argue that the American Dream is an unrealistic, counterproductive, and destructive goal. Firstly, the iconic green light visible from Gatsby’s mansion is used to develop the unrealistic nature of the American Dream. It achieves this by demonstrating how unsatisfactory the Dream is in real life. This is evident when Gatsby says to Daisy, “You always have a green light that burns all night at the end of your dock.’ Daisy put her arm through his abruptly, but he seemed absorbed in what he had just said. Possibly it had occurred to him that the colossal significance of that light had now vanished forever” …show more content…

Firstly, the green light depicts it as unfulfilling and unachievable. Moreover, the colors white and blue unveil the Dream’s negative impacts on the mental wellbeing of its pursuers. Finally, the valley of ashes reveals the environmental and social costs of the American Dream. All in all, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s refreshing take on this idealized future is only one, subtle example of his brilliance as a writer. His ability to masterfully communicate a wealth of morals through multi-dimensional literary devices truly reveal his mastery in the art of

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