great gatsby symbolism essay

The Great Gatsby Symbolism

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Style & Symbols in The Great Gatsby

Symbols in The Great Gatsby are very important, while style is what makes all the pieces coherent. In his novel, Fitzgerald uses language and literary devices to create a unique mood that allows the readers to dive deep into the Jazz Age setting.

Welcome The Great Gatsby symbolism & style page prepared by our editorial team!

• ✒️ Literary Elements
• 👁️ Rhetorical Devices
• 🔤 Vocabulary
• 🗺️ Navigation

🎓 References

🌈 symbols in the great gatsby.

In literature, symbols are used to highlight the ideas or aspects by giving them a metaphorical (not literal) meaning. It means that the object represents something more than it seems at first sight . In The Great Gatsby , symbolism is very well worked through. Every chapter contains at least several symbols that need to be interpreted to understand the novel’s messages.

The key symbols in The Great Gatsby are: colors, the green light, T.J. Eckleburg’s eyes, and Gatsby’s car.

Color Symbolism in The Great Gatsby

There are a few main symbols in the novel, but the most extensive one is color imagery in The Great Gatsby . Fitzgerald masterfully manipulates different colors making the story extra visual. Also, it gives the story an additional layer of meaning. In every chapter, they are varied, which helps it set a specific mood fitting to the situation. At first, it is hard to notice them because they are introduced so subtly. However, the analysis of The Great Gatsby’s color symbolism brings clarity and unveils the deeper meanings of situations.

Colors have special meaning to people all over the world. Some of them are universal, such as green, which means nature, energy, and fertility. Sometimes, people also associate it with some personal affairs, just like Gatsby does. In Chapter 1 of The Great Gatsby , color symbolism is introduced to the readers by the green light. It can be traced throughout the whole novel.

“…He gave a sudden intimation that he was content to be alone – 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, that might have been the end of a dock.” ( The Great Gatsby , chapter 1)

Color symbolism may be quite controversial from time to time since everybody interprets colors in their own way. However, in Fitzgerald’s book, they are tightly interconnected with the main ideas. Therefore, it is hard to miss the meaning of a specific color.

Colors in The Great Gatsby

There are many flashy colors in The Great Gatsby , such as gold and silver or pink. They fit quite well into the luxurious setting of the novel.

Blue, white, green, and yellow are simpler and more discreet ones. Still, they play an essential role in the understanding of the main ideas. They help create this dreamlike setting of the story.

Blue in The Great Gatsby

Blue in The Great Gatsby represents loneliness and isolation . Gatsby’s “blue lawn” reflects on how sad and lonely he is, even in the middle of lavish parties. By the end of the novel, Nick mentions “the blue leaves” and “the blue smoke,” which may symbolize Gatsby’s beautiful dreams and the illusion of the American Dream .

White in The Great Gatsby

In The Great Gatsby , the white color is the Daisy ‘s one . She dresses in white, and her house has a lot of white. It is a symbol of her purity and innocence, as well as her angelic beauty. On the other hand, white represents her hollowness since, except for the luxury of the upper class, she sees no purpose in life.

Green in The Great Gatsby

Green in The Great Gatsby is closely related to the green light of Daisy’s dock . Therefore, it symbolizes Gatsby’s hope and love. Just like the “fresh, green breast of the new world” was an aspiration for the first explorers, green light gives confidence to Gatsby. Finally, the green color also represents the power of money that he’s got.

Yellow in The Great Gatsby

Yellow in The Great Gatsby represents money and desire . Gatsby decided to decorate his mansion in the tones of yellow and buy a yellow car. However, the yellow color is not exactly gold. This imitation shows how Gatsby is trying to become a part of the elite club by pretending to have good taste and manners.

“The lights grow brighter as the earth lurches away from the sun and now the orchestra is playing yellow cocktail music and the opera of voices pitches a key higher. Laughter is easier, minute by minute, spilled with prodigality, tipped out at a cheerful word.” ( The Great Gatsby, chapter 3 )

Green Light in The Great Gatsby

“A single green light” is located at the end of Daisy’s dock in East Egg and carries a special meaning to Gatsby. He can barely see it from the other side of the bay but still longs for it every night. In The Great Gatsby , the green light is a significant symbol connected to Gatsby and Daisy .

The Significance of the Green Light in The Great Gatsby

It is vital to explain the significance of the green light because it is the core of Gatsby’s character. It represents his dreams and hopes about a happy future with Daisy . The light leads him towards it through the darkness. However, Gatsby cannot reach it, just like he can’t reach the green light on the other side of the bay.

“If it wasn’t for the mist we could see your home across the bay… You always have a green light that burns all night at the end of your dock.” ( The Great Gatsby , chapter 5 )

What Does the Green Light Symbolize at the End of the Novel?

At the end of the novel, the green light symbolizes a bit of a different idea. When Nick is looking at the green light, he compares it to the image of the newly found fresh and green land, just as how it seemed to the first settlers in America . They saw it as a land of hope and infinite opportunities.

Car as a Symbol in The Great Gatsby

Cars have a symbolic meaning in the novel as well. First of all, they have been seen as a symbol of status at all times . Even today, people can be ranked by judging on the model and year of cars they own.

Gatsby’s yellow car is a perfect vehicle for him as it plays its role – to impress people. There is completely no other reason for him to own such a vehicle, mainly when Nick describes it as “monstrous” and “swollen.” But it is a car of a millionaire, and it represents Gatsby’s identity. Not only does he want to show off, but it goes back to his dream to win Daisy back, of course. He uses the money to reach his own American Dream. What is more, Gatsby’s car is a combination of the primary colors of the novel – “green leather” and “rich cream color,” which is yellow.

In Chapter 7 , Gatsby objects to letting Tom drive his car. The fact highlights the importance of the car for him. Just like for most men, for him it is more than a vehicle. Gatsby despises Tom and thinks his suggestion is “distasteful.” This yellow car with green seats is a symbol of Gatsby’s dream and love for Daisy. Therefore, he sees no reason whatsoever for Tom to drive it.

Gatsby’s Car Symbolism

Therefore, Gatsby’s car symbolism can be considered a part of his identity. The car is flashy and is intended to impress everyone around, including Daisy. This kind of attitude reflects Gatsby’s “new money” status since they are the ones who try to be seen as elite but end up looking tasteless and vulgar.

TJ Eckleburg’s Eyes in The Great Gatsby

T.J. Eckleburg’s eyes stare at the Valley of Ashes from the billboard. In The Great Gatsby, the eyes have different meanings for each character , which makes the advertisement a representation of the meaningless world. It means that people give value to the objects, which makes them the creators of their own reality. Everybody sees whatever they want to see.

Who Is Dr. T.J. Eckleburg in The Great Gatsby?

In The Great Gatsby, Dr. T.J. Eckleburg is the eye doctor whose clinic is advertised on the billboard. His yellow spectacles look down on the grey people living in the ashes. However, for some people, the eyes carry religious meaning. For example, George Wilson sees the eyes of God in them and believes they send him divine messages.

“Standing behind him Michaelis saw with a shock that he was looking at the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg which had just emerged pale and enormous from the dissolving night. ‘God sees everything,’ repeated Wilson.” ( The Great Gatsby , chapter 8 )

🎵 Motifs in The Great Gatsby

A motif is an element that appears quite often in the text and carries a symbolic meaning. The purpose of the motif is to set a theme that is usually closely tied to the main idea of the work. Motifs in The Great Gatsby may seem hard to find, but they play an essential role in the overall impression.

Alcohol, parties, and weather are the three central motifs in The Great Gatsby .

Alcohol in The Great Gatsby

In the 1920s, people in America were partying like never before, and, of course, there was alcohol. Even though selling it was illegal, drinking was a part of everyday life . At least for those who could afford it.

In The Great Gatsby , alcohol is considered to be for the privileged only. The amount of alcohol is limited, and it is hard to get . Still, for someone who has the money, it is not a problem. However, it seems like no one at Gatsby’s parties is concerned about where all the unlimited drinks come from.

Prohibition in The Great Gatsby

Prohibition in The Great Gatsby is a big issue since the story’s setting is in the 1920s when producing and selling alcohol was banned in America. However, almost every character in the novel drinks . Prohibition doesn’t seem to have any severe effects on people’s lifestyles. Liquor stores may have lost their profits, but others, like Gatsby, use this chance.

Was Gatsby a Bootlegger?

Tom is eager to know if Gatsby is a bootlegger as the source of his fortune raises suspicions quite regularly. Even if there is no evidence, Gatsby’s underground connection with Meyer Wolfsheim leads to the conclusion that he is a criminal . Thanks to Tom’s investigation, it appears that Gatsby sells alcohol over the counters of the drug shops he owns.

Parties in The Great Gatsby

Gatsby’s parties are the motif that underlines the unnecessary festivity of the Roaring Twenties , which is usually overdone. His extraordinary, lavish, and surreal parties are held for wealthy people who don’t see any other purpose in life rather than drink and dance. The importance of this motif is that it shows the dark side of the Jazz Age.

The Great Gatsby: Party Scenes

Party scenes in The Great Gatsby only bring satisfaction to the readers. However, the symbolism that they carry is far less colorful. Hundreds of people gather in Gatsby’s mansion just to use his hospitality and get drunk. Through these extravagant celebrations, Fitzgerald highlights the significance of the moral theme in the 1920s .

All the guests are nothing more than pleasure-seekers who care little about their host. Almost none of them have met Gatsby in person. It is much more entertaining for them to create absurd rumors about his background. Their carelessness comes up when Gatsby dies since only one single party guest attends his funeral. And, of course, nobody has a clue about the underlying meaning of all the lavish parties in the West Egg.

“The bar is in full swing and floating rounds of cocktails permeate the garden outside until the air is alive with chatter and laughter and casual innuendo and introductions forgotten on the spot and enthusiastic meetings between women who never knew each other’s names.” ( The Great Gatsby , chapter 3)

Gatsby throws parties with the only purpose of attracting Daisy’s attention . However, the first Gatsby’s party she attends doesn’t leave her impressed. She is disgusted by the inappropriate behavior of the new rich, even though she is as hollow inside as they are. Old money hates new money because they lack manners, but the truth is that neither of them has moral values. The lack of morality is also showing off through the influential guests. They use the parties to do their shady business there as even criminals attend the festivities. Also, it is a great place to find an affair, just like Tom is trying to do when he and Daisy come by. All in all, Gatsby’s parties are a great example of the ugly reality of the 1920s.

Weather in The Great Gatsby

Weather in The Great Gatsby serves as an emotional booster and has nothing to do with geography. On the day that Daisy and Gatsby reunite, it rains, emphasizing the sadness and longing for the past. While the central fight between Tom and Gatsby occurs on the hottest day, spurring their anger on.

✒️ Literary Elements of The Great Gatsby

The great gatsby: genre.

The Great Gatsby is a novel since it is a long piece of writing telling about human emotional experiences. It is also done with a fair bit of realism. Moreover, The Great Gatsby genre is identified as a tragedy because Gatsby possesses a desire for Daisy’s wealth, which eventually leads him to a tragic ending.

The Great Gatsby: Point of View

In The Great Gatsby , the point of view is limited to Nick’s perception . The story is told in the first person, which makes it very unreliable. Even though Nick’s imagery helps understand the situations in the book quite well, it may be corrupted by his emotions. He claims he never judges people, but it is not entirely true.

The Great Gatsby: Style

There is no need to do a realism vs. modernism comparison in the novel because it has them both . The Great Gatsby is built around complex characters and the profoundly psychological descriptions of their behavior, which is typical for realism. At the same time, Fitzgerald implements literary elements of modernism. This blend is what makes this book truly “great.”

Modernism in The Great Gatsby

In The Great Gatsby , modernism is not the dominant genre. However, it is a critical element of the overall structure of the novel. Fitzgerald uses many symbols and poetic descriptions , such as “shining dust,” and plays with colors. He also pictures cars as something dangerous. Altogether it makes the story modernist.

F. Scott Fitzgerald: Writing Style

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s writing style is unique. He describes everything from the setting and appearances to the characters’ feelings. The literary devices he uses, like metaphors and symbols , create a romantic mood in the novel. The most descriptive adjectives he comes up with cannot be more perfectly fitted for the situations.

The Great Gatsby’s Tone

Since Nick is the narrator , the tone of The Great Gatsby depends on his personal impressions and feelings. Therefore, it differs from chapter to chapter. For example, in the first part of the story, the tone is very skeptical and sometimes disrespectful as Nick judges everyone. In the end, it becomes melancholic and compassionate towards Gatsby.

The Great Gatsby: First Line Meaning

The Great Gatsby’s opening line not only gives an insight into Nick’s background but also sets how the story is told. The first line of The Great Gatsby is his father’s advice, which Nick can hardly follow. Moreover, the words about “the advantages” he has had may have made him arrogant to some extension.

“In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since. ‘Whenever you feel like criticizing any one,’ he told me, ‘just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.’” ( The Great Gatsby , chapter 1)

The Great Gatsby: Last Paragraph Meaning

The last paragraph of The Great Gatsby is a conclusion to the whole novel as it goes back to the theme of the past once again. It represents Gatsby’s desire to recreate the past even though it seems like his dream is all about the bright future. This last sentence repeats the moral of the story.

“Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that’s no matter – tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther… And one fine morning – So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” ( The Great Gatsby , chapter 9 )

👁️ Rhetorical Devices in The Great Gatsby

Allusions in the great gatsby.

Allusions are references to the external books or historical events that the author makes in his writing. In The Great Gatsby , allusions are not rare. The most famous must be the one in Chapter 1. During the lunch, Tom makes a reference to a book called The Rise of the Coloured Empires , which was written by Lothrop Goddard in 1920. It is important because it allows seeing Tom’s hidden characteristics, such as racism and arrogance. There are even some biblical allusions, including the moment when Nick calls Gatsby “a son of God.”

Apart from allusions, one of the most rhetorical devices in The Great Gatsby is imagery . Fitzgerald does a fantastic job describing every little detail of the story, which allows the readers to imagine it with all five senses. For example, describing the moments before the dawn, he writes: “ghostly birds began to sing among the blue leaves.

“Moreover, there are a lot of literary devices in The Great Gatsby that Fitzgerald uses frequently. Those include metaphors, hyperbole , symbolism , and simile . The ridiculous and exaggerated rumors are a great example of hyperbole in the novel. Oxymoron should also be included as Wolfsheim appears to eat “with ferocious delicacy.”

Irony in The Great Gatsby

Fitzgerald offers plenty of irony in The Great Gatsby , but only a few examples need to be reviewed carefully. In the very first chapter, Nick’s description of himself as a non-judgmental person is ironic since he judges other men in the same paragraph. Daisy killing Myrtle, without knowing she is her husband’s lover, also represents irony.

Foreshadowing in The Great Gatsby

Foreshadowing in The Great Gatsby is one special technique. In the beginning, Nick says that “Gatsby turned out all right at the end,” even though death is really considered a happy ending. After all, these words imply that Nick’s impression of Gatsby changed for the better, and the reader knows that Gatsby is the protagonist of the story.

🔤 The Great Gatsby Vocabulary

• Gonnegtion. In The Great Gatsby , the meaning of some words is not entirely clear. One of these words is “gonnegtion,” which is used by Mr. Wolfshiem. He assumes that Nick is a criminal and offers him his help with connections. So, there is no need to look up the definition of “gonnection” as it is Wolfshiem’s mistake.
• Oggsford is another creation of Meyer Wolfsheim. It appears when he tries to tell Nick that Gatsby is an Oxford graduate. Due to his specific pronunciation, which may be connected to his Jew roots, the word “Oxford” comes out as “Oggsford.” Moreover, it may also be a sign of his poor education.
• Orgastic future. One of the last paragraphs in the novel includes the words “orgastic future,” which Gatsby believed in. The definition of “orgastic” can hardly be found in the dictionary. However, it has similarities with the word “orgasmic,” which may emphasize Gatsby’s American Dream. He believed that the future of ecstatic happiness was waiting on him.
• Paternal contempt. Describing Tom, Nick says that he has “a touch of paternal contempt” in his voice. It may derive from the word “paternalistic.” Such a description suggests that Tom is the full opposite of submissive. His arrogance is only a shade of his dictatorship. Later in the novel, he indeed shows himself as the only legitimate authority.
• Platonic conception of himself. Nick says that Gatsby “sprang from his Platonic conception of himself,” which points out Gatsby’s new identity. It goes back to Plato’s idea of perfection: everything has its perfect form. Therefore, the meaning behind Nick’s phrase is that Gatsby shaped his identity according to his own standards of an ideal man.
• Spectroscopic gayety. The phrase appears when Nick describes the relationship between East Egg and West Egg. In The Great Gatsby , the meaning of these words refers to one of the main themes – aristocrats’ hate of the new rich. Therefore, “spectroscopic gayety” can be defined as the lavish and vulgar parties in West Egg organized by Gatsby.
• Teutonic migration. “Delayed Teutonic migration” is a historical reference that Nick makes. This phrase Nick chooses when he talks about World War I. In this way, he compares the German army’s march to France via Belgium in 1914 to the ancient German tribe of Teutons who were migrating through Europe. Nick’s knowledge and witty comment show off his quality education.
• Unaffected Scorn. In The Great Gatsby , the meaning of the words “unaffected scorn” might be unclear. The phrase appears when Nick talks about his feelings towards Gatsby. It means that he describes everything that Jay does. Later, however, he changes his mind, and Gatsby ends up being the only person Nick genuinely respects.
• The Great Gatsby I Summary, Context, Reception, & Analysis
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• What The Great Gatsby Reveals About The Jazz Age | JSTOR
• The Great Gatsby and Prohibition | The History KItchen Blog
• Symbolism – Style – Higher English Revision – BBC Bitesize
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Study Guide Menu

• Short Summary
• Summary (Chapter 1)
• Summary (Chapter 2)
• Summary (Chapter 3)
• Summary (Chapter 4)
• Summary (Chapter 5)
• Summary (Chapter 6)
• Summary (Chapter 7)
• Summary (Chapter 8)
• Summary (Chapter 9)
• Symbolism & Style
• Quotes Explained
• Essay Topics & Examples
• Questions & Answers
• F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Biography
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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The Great Gatsby Symbolism, Imagery, Allegory

Symbolism, imagery, and allegory are literary devices , but they get their own page because they're the workhorses of literary meaning. So saddle up and get ready to see the main tourist attractions of The Great Gatsby . Plus, once you've got these common Great Gatsby references in your arsenal, you'll be able to shoot the breeze with literary nerds everywhere. (And let's not forget how impressed your teacher will be when you casually drop an interpretation of a major symbol in your essay!)

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The Green Light and the Color Green Quotes in The Great Gatsby

The Green Light and the Color Green Symbol Timeline in The Great Gatsby

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Best Analysis: Green Light in The Great Gatsby

Book Guides

One of the most arresting images in The Great Gatsby is Nick's vision of Gatsby stretching his arms out towards a small green light on the opposite shore of the bay. The mysterious, almost mystical nature of this gesture is a sure-fire sign that this green light is a symbol.

What is a symbol? It's something that is given extra meaning beyond itself. Something that stops being simply an everyday object, and instead represents thoughts and ideas that are bigger than itself.

What are the abstract ideas behind the green light in The Great Gatsby ? Read on to see where this symbol pops up in the novel, what themes it is connected to, which characters are most closely associated with it, and some ideas for essay topics on this symbol.

Quick Note on Our Citations

Our citation format in this guide is (chapter.paragraph). We're using this system since there are many editions of Gatsby, so using page numbers would only work for students with our copy of the book.

To find a quotation we cite via chapter and paragraph in your book, you can either eyeball it (Paragraph 1-50: beginning of chapter; 50-100: middle of chapter; 100-on: end of chapter), or use the search function if you're using an online or eReader version of the text.

What Is the Green Light in The Great Gatsby ?

Before we delve into the symbolic meaning of the green light, let's first establish what this object is in concrete terms.

The green light is a permanently lit electric lamp that marks the end of Daisy and Tom's boat dock. It's a way to warn boats at night or during inclement weather that there is a structure there—this is why it is always on.

Because the Buchanans' mansion is directly across the bay from Gatsby's mansion, Gatsby can always see the green light.

Key Quotes About the Green Light

In order to figure out what the green light means as a symbol, let's do some close reading of the moments where it occurs in The Great Gatsby.

The Green Light in Chapter 1

The image of the green light at the end of Daisy's dock occurs for the first time at the end of the novel's first chapter . Before we have even met Gatsby, we get a description of him stretching out his arms towards something he can't reach —a gesture he will repeat over and over again.

...a figure had emerged from the shadow of my neighbor's mansion and was standing with his hands in his pockets regarding the silver pepper of the stars. Something in his leisurely movements and the secure position of his feet upon the lawn suggested that it was Mr. Gatsby himself, come out to determine what share was his of our local heavens.

...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, that might have been the end of a dock. When I looked once more for Gatsby he had vanished, and I was alone again in the unquiet darkness. (1.151-152)

One thing in particular is interesting about the introduction of the green light: it's very mysterious . Nick seems not to be quite sure where the light is, or what its function might be:

• Although physically bounded by the width of the bay, the light is described as impossibly small ("minute" means "tiny enough to be almost insignificant") and confusingly distant.
• Even though we find out later that the light never turns off, here Nick only seems to be able to see the light when Gatsby is reaching out towards it. As soon as Gatsby disappears, Nick is in "darkness."
• This vagueness and mystery is a good way for the novel to underscore the fact that this light is a symbol —it stands not just for the physical object that it describes, but for an idea within the book. What's the idea? I'll talk all about it in the next section of this article.

The Green Light in Chapter 5

We return to the image of the light exactly halfway through the novel, in the fifth chapter , when Gatsby is showing Daisy around his mansion after he "accidentally" runs into her at Nick's house.

"If it wasn't for the mist we could see your home across the bay," said Gatsby. "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. Compared to the great distance that had separated him from Daisy it had seemed very near to her, almost touching her. It had seemed as close as a star to the moon. Now it was again a green light on a dock. His count of enchanted objects had diminished by one. (5.117-118)

This appearance of the green light is just as vitally important as the first one, mostly because the way the light is presented now is totally different than when we first saw it. Instead of the "enchanted" magical object we first saw, now the light has had its "colossal significance," or its symbolic meaning, removed from it. This is because Gatsby is now actually standing there and touching Daisy herself, so he no longer needs to stretch his arms out towards the light or worry that it's shrouded in mist.

However, this separation of the green light from its symbolic meaning is somehow sad and troubling . Gatsby seemingly ignores Daisy putting her arm through his because he is "absorbed" in the thought that the green light is now just a regular thing. Nick's observation that Gatsby's "enchanted objects" are down one sounds like a lament—how many enchanted objects are there in anyone's life?

The Green Light in Chapter 9

The last time we encounter the green light is in the final paragraphs of the novel.

And as I sat there brooding on the old, unknown world, I thought of Gatsby's wonder when he first picked out the green light at the end of Daisy's dock. He had come a long way to this blue lawn and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it. He did not know that it was already behind him, somewhere back in that vast obscurity beyond the city, where the dark fields of the republic rolled on under the night.

Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter--tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther. . . . And one fine morning----

So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past. (9.152-154)

Now the light has totally ceased being an observable object. Nick is not in Long Island any more, Gatsby is dead, Daisy is gone for good, and the only way the green light exists is in Nick's memories and philosophical observations. This means that the light is now just a symbol and nothing else .

But it is not the same deeply personal symbol it was in the first chapter. Check out the way Nick transitions from describing the green light as something "Gatsby believed in" to using it as something that motivates "us." Gatsby is no longer the only one reaching for this symbol—we all, universally, "stretch out our arms" toward it , hoping to reach it tomorrow or the next day.

You can read a more in-depth analysis of the end of the novel in our article on the last paragraphs and last line of the novel .

Finally, as Gatsby's dream is dashed, the green light stops being something that is his alone, and instead takes on a universal quality . Now it stands for the unreachable dream that lives inside all people. For Nick, life is a constant struggle between our past mistakes, experiences, and sense of reality, which pull us back and weigh us down, and the green light of unrealistic hope that drives us to think we will do better and achieve more the next day.

The green light ends up standing for this dream of an "orgastic future" —that's right, that means a future lived at the height of orgasm—which is constantly getting farther and farther away, and that we keep trying to grab for, despite the impossibility of reaching it.

Characters, Themes, Motifs, and Symbols Connected to the Green Light

Jay Gatsby . Gatsby is most closely associated with the green light. He is the one who obsessively stares at this light at the end of Daisy's dock, dreaming of reuniting with her. He is the one who reaches his hands towards it, showing us that it is a symbolic representation of his dreams that are always just out of reach. And he is the one whose belief in the green light and its promise of a future of perfect happiness so profoundly affects Nick that Nick ends up admiring Gatsby.

Daisy Buchanan . The green light is located at the end of Daisy's dock, and is Gatsby's only physical sign of her before he meets her at Nick's house. For a long time, the green light, Gatsby's ambitious hopes, and Daisy are all symbolically one and the same. Only when Daisy has an affair with Gatsby, showing that she is a flesh and blood person with her own desires, fears, and flaws, does she separate from this idealized symbol of hope.

Nick Carraway . Nick is the one who realizes the significance of the green light for Gatsby when he sees Gatsby stretching his arms out towards it. He is also the one who connects the green light with everyone's hopes and dreams at the very end of the book.

Society and Class. For Gatsby, just as Daisy is visible through the green light, but in reality out of reach, so is the old money contingent of wealthy Long Island society. No matter how high Gatsby rises and how rich he gets, he still can't break through that final barrier—and he can never quite grasp the green light.

The American Dream . The green light comes to represent not just Gatsby's dream, but the aspirational American Dream that the novel shows in both its positive and negative aspects. Like this national myth, the green light is forever just out of reach, but also forever motivating feats of improbable achievement.

Symbol : Colors. That the light is green is very significant in a novel that is methodically color-coded. Somewhat in opposition to its culturally positive associations, in The Great Gatsby, green tends to be a sign of either hopeful rebirth, or sickness, greed, and death.

Essay Ideas and Tips for Writing About the Green Light

Now that we've explored the layers of meanings behind the green light at the end of Daisy's dock, you're in a good place to think about how to write about this symbol.

How to Write an Essay About the Green Light

Here are some tips on how to write an essay about the role of a symbol in a novel:

• Build from the text out. In this article, I first looked at the green light in context and discussed its meaning in the exact places where it appears, and only afterward wrote about its general significance in the novel. The same basic rule of thumb is good to keep in mind for your own essay. Work from small ideas to big ones, and your argument will be well supported.
• Make an argument. It's not enough to just describe the symbol and explain its possible meanings. Instead, you have to make sure that you're making some kind of point about why/how the symbol works. How do you know if you're making an argument and not just saying the obvious? If you can imagine someone arguing the opposite of what you're saying, then you've got an argument on your hands.
• Don't overthink it. Sure, the green light can be said to represent lots of things: Gatsby's dreams, Daisy, or the quest to grab the elusive brass ring. But that doesn't mean that it also stands for world peace, environmental degradation, or Nick's pining for his war days. In other words, watch out for stretching your symbol analysis too far from what the text is telling you.

Essay Topic Ideas on the Green Light

Here are some possible essay arguments. You can build from them as-is, argue their opposite, or use them as jumping-off points for your own interpretation.

The green light is a kind of affiliation test for Gatsby. Those who imbue it with meaning like he does (like Nick) end up sympathizing with Gatsby; those who only see it as an object (like Daisy and Tom) are doomed to dismiss Gatsby also.

Gatsby's downfall starts at the moment when he stops seeing the green light as a symbol for his dreams and goals.

Ultimately, the green light means far more to Nick than to Gatsby.

Green Light in The Great Gatsby: The Bottom Line

• The green light is a permanently lit lamp that marks the end of Daisy and Tom's boat dock.
• The image of the green light occurs:
• At the end of Chapter 1, when Gatsby is reaching towards it and it is very mysterious.
• In Chapter 5, when Gatsby and Daisy have reconnected, taking the symbolic meaning away from the green light
• At the end of Chapter 9, when it transitions from being a symbol just for Gatsby and instead becomes a universal symbol of hope for the future.
• The significance and symbolic meaning of the green lights shifts:
• In the beginning of the novel, the light stands for Gatsby's dreams, hopes, and desires to reunite with Daisy.
• During the course of the novel, Gatsby's dream is revealed to be delusional and unrealizable, so the symbolic meaning behind the green light collapses.
• Finally, as Gatsby's dream is dashed, the green light stops being something that is his alone, and instead stands for the unreachable dream of an "orgastic future" that is constantly getting farther and farther away and that we keep trying to grab for.
• The green light is associated with:
• Jay Gatsby, who obsessively stares at this light at the end of Daisy's dock, dreaming of reuniting with her.
• Daisy Buchanan, since the green light, Gatsby's ambitious hopes, and Daisy are all symbolically one and the same.
• Nick Carraway, who is the one who realizes the significance of the green light for Gatsby and who connects the green light with everyone's hopes and dreams.
• Society and class, the upper echelon of which is just as out of reach for Gatsby as the green light.
• The American Dream, which is the aspirational hope that the novel shows in both its positive and negative lights.
• Colors, which are very significant in this methodically color-coded novel.

What's Next?

Review where the green light appears to get a better sense of its context: Chapter 1 , Chapter 5 , Chapter 9 , explore the way the end of The Great Gatsby connects to its beginning through the recurring image of the green light and compare and contrast Nick and Gatsby to see what the different ways they relate to the green light says about them.

Want to get some of that green light into your own life? Get yourself some Gatsby accessories from our list of the 15 must-have items for every fan of The Great Gatsby .

Check out all the other symbols that enrich this novel.

Decide whether Gatsby primarily treats Daisy as an object , or whether he does have a sense of her as a person and loves her for herself .

Read along as we walk through other works of literature with our analyses of " Do not go gently into that good night " (Dylan Thomas), The Cask of Amontillado (Edgar Allan Poe), and The Crucible (Arthur Miller).

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Themes, Motifs, and Symbols in The Great Gatsby

• The Albert Team
• Last Updated On: March 1, 2022

One of the most commonly taught novels, The Great Gatsby is rich with opportunities for thematic analysis and broader real-world discussion. Gatsby is a fantastic opportunity to challenge students to see past the money, fancy clothes, and fancy cars and into what brings them lasting joy and purpose. In this post, we’ll break down the biggest themes , motifs, and symbols in The Great Gatsby .

What We Review

Major Themes in The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby lends itself to many themes , but the primary purpose of the novel is to provide a sharp criticism of the American Dream as defined during the 1920s. Other themes — such as obsession with the past or dysfunctional relationships — all tie in with this singular idea of the vanity of pursuing wealth as the only means to true happiness and success.

Pursuit of the American Dream

One very evident theme in Fitzgerald’s novel is the Pursuit of the American Dream during the 1920s. Then, as now,  many Americans believed that “anyone, regardless of where they were born or what class they were born into, [could] attain their own version of success in a society where upward mobility is possible for everyone” (Barone). Born penniless, James Gatz, or Jay Gatsby, was determined to achieve his own American Dream the only way he knew how: by attaining massive wealth by whatever means necessary. However, even after seemingly fulfilling his dream by becoming filthy rich, those who inherited their wealth still treat Gatsby as an outsider —namely, the Buchanans. Fitzgerald uses Gatsby’s devastating realization to criticize people’s perception of the American Dream as simply the “culmination of wealth” (Pumphrey).

To paint a picture for the reader, Nick personifies Gatsby’s pursuit of the American Dream in the green light at the end of the Buchanans’ dock, calling it the “orgastic future that year by year recedes before us” (Fitzgerald 180). Much like Gatsby, Americans still today work their entire lives to achieve their idea of the American dream, only for some to meet an untimely end before reaching this dream. One of the most poignant quotes of the entire novel is at the end where Nick states in reference to this unattainable dream that “We beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past,” showing the vanity and utter pointlessness, in his eyes, of this “American Dream” (Fitzgerald 180). 

Failure to Live in the Present; Obsession with the Past and Future

Gatsby is the clearest example of a character stuck in the past due to his obsession with Daisy. Nick observes him “stretch[ing] out his arms toward the dark water” (Fitzgerald 21). The reader soon learns that Gatsby is continuously reaching for a green light at the end of the Buchanans’ dock, signifying his continual pursuit of Daisy, who is always just out of his reach. Gatsby is so overcome with visions of his past that he is shackled by his own imagination and kept from forming a genuine connection with the real Daisy.

The past also consumes Tom Buchanan, his one claim to fame being his football career in New Haven. Nick recognizes this immediately, feeling that Tom would “drift on forever seeking, a little wistfully, for the dramatic turbulence of some irrecoverable football game” (Fitzgerald 6). Tom’s mistress, Myrtle, is always rhapsodizing what she and Tom will do once they are married to one another, something Tom clearly does not see in his future. Even in casual conversation, the Buchanans, particularly Daisy, reminisce about the past or plan for the future, always planning trips to the city or recollecting old acquaintances. Whenever Daisy is forced into the present, she is visibly uncomfortable and anxious.

The Destructive Nature of Dysfunctional Relationships

Fitzgerald’s novel is littered with questionable characters and suspicious situations. Characters constantly act and speak behind each other’s back, making it difficult to trust or predict anyone’s motives in the novel. Tom and Daisy’s relationship is the most obvious example of secrecy leading to conflict regarding Tom’s “woman in New York” and Daisy’s long-lasting infatuation with Gatsby. Tom isn’t even truthful with Myrtle, his mistress, and tells her he cannot marry her because Daisy is Catholic and will not file for divorce. 

Miss Baker’s friendship with Daisy is just as secretive and manipulative. When she speaks to Nick behind Daisy’s back, she makes Daisy out to be a fool. She manipulates situations between Daisy and Gatsby behind Nick’s back, even when she knows nothing good can come from their secret romance. Daisy does not even have a functioning relationship with her own daughter; when Nick asks about her, all Daisy has to say is, “I suppose she talks, and eats, and everything” (Fitzgerald 16). We do not witness her daughter’s growth into adulthood, but we can only imagine the damage this separation from her parents has caused her. 

The parties that Gatsby hosts in his mansions are not filled with his closest friends; rather, complete strangers flood his halls to spill rumors about their host and leave without a word the next day. 

Gatsby, the only person who seems remotely interested in forming functional relationships, still lies to Nick about his upbringing immediately after asking Nick his opinion of him, as if to save himself preemptively. Throughout the novel, Gatsby attempts to form a real relationship with Daisy, which proves impossible because she can never live up to the Daisy of his imagination. 

Motifs and Symbols in The Great Gatsby

Fitzgerald’s novel is rich with symbolism, whether it be through color, setting, or objects. Each detail, no matter how small, enforces the tone of the scene. Many colors and settings are used in stark contrast with one another; for example, the white and gold Buchanan mansion and Daisy are vastly different from the bleak and gray Valley of Ashes. Gatsby’s car is both gold and green, signifying both his achievement of wealth and his continual pursuit of rich things, including Daisy Buchanan.

Color 

There are four distinct colors repeated throughout the novel that each carry meaning beyond the surface. These colors are white, gray, green, and gold.

Daisy and Jordan are both dressed in white at the start of the novel, and the open windows cause the white curtains to float in the air. Both the curtains and the women in white represent both innocence and superficiality of these characters who float through life lacking depth of personality. Nick Carraway describes Daisy as being “high in a white palace”, calling her both “king’s daughter” and “the golden girl” (Fitzgerald 120). In this instance, Nick characterizes her as this lofty, worshiped being, which mirrors Gatsby’s perspective and reinforces the fact that Gatsby will never be good enough for her. 

By name, The Valley of Ashes is represented by the color gray, which symbolizes the harsh conditions of the working class and overall lack of joy or hope in this place. George Wilson’s garage naturally resides in this desolate place, described as “unprosperous and bare” (Fitzgerald 25). Words such as “foul”, “solemn”, and “wasteland” are used to describe the place constantly under the watch of T.J. Eckleburg’s gold-rimmed eyes (Fitzgerald 24).

Green symbolizes two primary things: money and lust. The leather seats in Gatsby’s car are a lush green color, implying that perhaps the bright yellow paint did not declare his wealth loudly enough. Tom forces himself into the driver’s seat of Gatsby’s car, emphasizing that he believes Gatsby to be undeserving of such luxury. The most prominent green object (other than money) is the green lantern at the end of the Buchanans’ dock. While this green light represents Gatsby’s dream to be with Daisy, it also more characteristically represents envy as Gatsby desires to have another man’s wife.

Gatsby’s Rolls Royce, later known as “The Death Car,” symbolizes money and the pompous lifestyle of the rich. Nick describes Daisy as a  “golden girl”, Gatsby dons a gold tie for one of his many parties, and even the eyes of Dr. T. J. Eckleberg are rimmed in gold frames. In every instance, gold is both synonymous with wealth and “otherness”. Whether it is Daisy, Gatsby’s car, or even Dr. T.J. Eckleberg, each golden person or object is completely detached from the rest of society and feeling any sort of social responsibility. For example, Dr. T.J. Eckelberg’s looming presence over the Valley of Ashes 

Valley of Ashes

George Wilson’s garage naturally resides in the Valley of Ashes, described as “unprosperous and bare” (Fitzgerald 25). Words such as “foul”, “solemn”, and “wasteland” are used to describe the place constantly under the watch of T.J. Eckleburg’s gold-rimmed eyes (Fitzgerald 24). Myrtle Wilson’s brightly-dressed, sensual persona stands out in stark contrast to her colorless background. Even though her character doesn’t “fit” the setting she lives in, she is permanently bound to live and eventually die in this hopeless place. George even attempts to leave, but the thoughtless actions of the rich quickly tear apart his dream of a better life.

West Egg and Gatsby’s Mansion

While similar in appearance, East Egg and West Egg are drastically different from one another in status. West Egg, where Gatsby’s mansion resides, is “less fashionable” than East Egg and represents “new money” (Fitzgerald 5). Nick describes Gatsby’s mansion ironically as an “imitation”, further supporting the idea that Gatsby is an imposter in the realm of the rich and famous. West Egg residents are more inclined to hold extravagant and wild parties than their East Egg neighbors, even though East Eggers have no problem attending these parties held by their “less fashionable” neighbors. 

East Egg and the Buchanan’s Mansion

The mansions across the bay in East Egg are described as “white palaces”, further supporting that the color white implies something untouchable (Fitzgerald 4). The French windows reflected gold; vast gardens framed the property; “frosted wedding cake ceilings” hovered above every room, and “wine-colored” rugs sprawled across the floors (Fitzgerald 8). The author spares no detail to ensure the reader understands the exquisite luxury of the Buchanans’ home. East Egg residents also live at a slower and calmer pace than their neighbors, likely because they don’t feel the need to indulge in the luxuries offered at parties that are already at their fingertips.

Objects 

Doctor T. J. Eckleberg’s eyes 

Dr. T.J. Eckelberg’s eyes are painted onto a fading billboard that overlooks the Valley of Ashes. The eyes float independently of a face or even a nose and are framed in a pair of gold eyeglasses. Not much is known about Dr. Eckelberg; the narrator assumes that he either “sank down himself into eternal blindness” or simply forgot about his billboard and moved to a different city (Fitzgerald 24). Either way, the enormous eyes have a looming presence over the Valley of Ashes; constantly “brood[ing]” over this desolate place. You can define Fitzgerald’s choice of the word “brood” in two very different ways. These eyes could be “brooding” and watching over the city like a worried mother hen wishing to care for her chicks. Or, these eyes could be “brooding” because they are thinking deeply about everything they see that makes them continually unhappy.

Green Light

The green light at the end of the Buchanans’ dock represents Daisy in Gatsby’s eyes. Every time he sees it, he thinks of her and desires to have her. He finds hope in this light; as long as he can see it, Daisy is still just within his grasp. However, Nick sees this green light through much more critical eyes by the end of the novel. He refers to it instead as the “orgastic future that year by year recedes before us” (Fitzgerald 180).

Two important words are used to critique Gatsby’s dream, or more broadly, the American Dream. The first word, orgastic, has sexual connotations and pairs with this lustful desire Gatsby has for Daisy; she is his dream: she fascinates, entices, and overwhelms every part of his being. Likewise, the American Dream can become so consuming of an obsession that it takes on this euphoric or intoxicating appeal. The other crucial word is “recede”: as we pursue our version of the American Dream year after year, it doesn’t get any closer; it only “recedes” or moves farther and farther out of reach. Gatsby’s dream, personified in the green light, is the primary symbol of the novel and ties into Fitzgerald’s overwhelming critique of the American Dream throughout the novel.

Gatsby’s Car

Gatsby’s car has many roles throughout the novel, so much so, it could even be considered a secondary character. First, his car is used as a shuttle to bring people to his lavish parties; then, the car is used to impress Nick and convince him to do Gatsby a favor. Later in the novel, however, things take a dark turn. Tom forces himself into Gatsby’s car for their trip to the city. It is unclear why he does this other than to simply assert his own power over Gatsby. Finally, the car, driven by Daisy, murders Myrtle Wilson and is renamed the “Death Car”. A vivid picture of luxurious living with green leather interior and a bright yellowish gold paint job, Gatsby’s car is yet another failed attempt at reaching his American Dream through the accumulation of flashy and expensive things.

Wrapping Up 

Although a relatively brief read, Fitzgerald’s novel is jam-packed with rich opportunities for thematic analysis and tracking motifs and symbols. Drawing on the text For quick assignment ideas, check out our  200+ Great Gatsby review questions , and check out our pre-made chapter quizzes , designed to track your students’ reading progress and comprehension before moving on to a new section of the text.

Works Cited

Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby . Scribner, 2018.

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The Great Gatsby: Decoding Symbolism in Fitzgerald's Classic

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