What Does Green Symbolize In The Great Gatsby
Ellie Hefetz
Honors English III
Ms. Novick-Carson
April 14, 2023
If the American dream cannot be achieved, then why drive for it? F Scott Fitzgerald explores this theme in his novel “The Great Gatsby”, a novel that was published in 1925 and takes place in New York City. The novel follows narrator Nick Carraway as he becomes friends with millionaire James Gatsby. Nick untangles and explores the complicated truths of the world through his relationship with Gatsby as he reunites with his past girlfriend, Daisy, who is Nick’s cousin. Nick finds Gatsby has secrets about his life and rise to power. In the novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald the author uses symbolism, characterization, and the theme of the American dream to portray Gatsby as a man who is worthy of admiration as he attempts to live the American dream.
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At the end of chapter one in the novel, Nick notices a silhouette of Gatsby in the darkness, but then he “glanced seaward" - and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away, that must have been the end of a dock (Fitzgerald 21). Green is used throughout the novel (primarily in nature and light) to represent Gatsvt’s aspirations. Green is used as a symbol to represent Gatsby’s desire for the American dream and his belief that nothing can stop him from getting it. Green is present when Gatsby meets Daisy for the first time since their past relationship a few years prior. After convincing Nick to set up him and Daisy, Gatsby insists “I want to get the grass cut” (Fitzgerald 82), representing greed. Gatsby is insistent in wowing Daisy with money and success, which is represented by the green grass. Gatsby is worthy of admiration because he continues to strive for what he wants and does not give
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