Jose Luis Ortiz

Block: 7
17/04/2013

Symbolism Essay

It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that
matters, in the end. (Hemingway, E) In the novel: The Great Gatsby the main
character J, Gatsby an elusive character in the novel is an extremely rich and
portentous wealthy guy who has a lot of secrets and a doubtful past life. Jay
Gatsby is a person of whom the high society enjoys pervading rumors. Gatsbys
parties are very well known around in the West Egg by people sharing his social
position, and it is a frequent topic for conversation and criticism.
There are two main aspects of Gatsbys life that shape his oblivious
character. The first one is the fact that he was not always wealthy, and the second
one is that he has loved one woman for a long time at the beginning of his life
Gatsby was a young farmer boy who always had wanted wealth and position, but
his family wasnt able to meet these expectations. He fought in the third division
army during war and it is here were the second event takes place. Gatsby falls
deeply in love with a young and rich girl named Daisy, from Louisville. He thinks
that his economic situation and social position Is not enough to get Daisy to fall for
him. Meeting Daisy causes Gatsby to get somewhat obsessed with climbing up the
social ladder, for he wants to get to the top. It isnt until Gatsby returns from service
and encounters Daisy again, that the green light is introduced to the reader. he
stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way, and, far as I was
from him, I could have sworn he was trembling. Involuntarily I glanced seaward
and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away
(Fitzgerald, 1995) The green light symbolizes the goals Gatsby has for his life, and
it is like a motivation the keeps Gatsby doing what he does with the main
objective of getting Daisy back.
The location of the light is a significant factor to take into consideration
because it will determine the importance of it. Gatsbys wondered when he first
picked out the green light at the end of Daisys dock..." (Fitzgerald, 1995) the light
in this case represents his continuous thinking about Daisy. After their
reencountering, he realized Daisy also had strong feelings for him, yet Because
Gatsby can easily access the view of the green light in the dock across the bay
from his house, he is continuously remainded of Daisy and his craving to
recuperate her love.
In the end the symbolism of the green light is a fusion of important future
prospects for Gatsby: an upholding for the goals he desires to achieve, as well as
his deep love for Daisy. Even though it is not certain he will successfully
accomplish what he proposes himself he certainly is motivated by the green live
that causes so much passion in him.