Wants, Desires & Symbols
In The Great Gatsby, symbolism adds depth to the story without casting confusion.
The representations are presented and sometimes even explained through the characters.
Our own society too has many symbols which reflect who we are in a similar manner as
the symbols in the novel did.
Although there are many symbols in this book, perhaps one of the most striking is
the green light on the end of the Buchanan dock. This light represents hope and dreams to
Gatsby. It shows his love for Daisy and his need for a companion, or in Gatsby's words,
"He stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way...Involuntarily, I
glanced seaward- and distinguished nothing except a single green light...that might have
been the end of a dock." The green light could be seen from the back of Gatsby's house.
This represents all that is unobtainable in life. The one thing that is in sight, but not within
your reach.
The green light......
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