Green Light In The Great Gatsby

Out of the many symbolic things in the Great Gatsby, the most prolific one is most definitely the green light at the end of the Buchanan’s dock. There is much thought and analysis about exactly what it represents. It could mean anything from Gatsby’s inability to let go of the past, to an unattainable dream , or the American dream. In the first chapter Nick notices Gatsby staring out at the light and reaching for it. At first it’s like what is this crazy fool doing is he insane. Well...yes in a way, Gatsby is so fixated on the past and his feelings he had for Daisy and he doesn’t want to let go of that. That is why he reaches out to this object he associates with Daisy. It’s almost as if he wishes that one day that when he reaches out Daisy’s hand will be there to meet his. It could also be stated that the light represents a dream that is unattainable. The way Gatsby looks at it is like it is something he wants, it is a dream of his to be with Daisy again. But in all honesty that’s a bit foolish as it’s been so many years and she has a kid. Suddenly it’s become somewhat of a snipe hunt or a fool's errand. Not to mention the fact that the green light is so far from Gatsby’s grasp. If it was an achievable dream Daisy would not have run off with Tom like she did and maybe Jay wouldn’t have had to die.
An underlying theme in the Great Gatsby is that Gatsby has achieved the American dream by making his way to the top, albeit illegally. Having wealth enough to be set for life and have fun while you’re at it is something a lot of people imagine as the American dream. But did that bring Jay Gatsby happiness? No it did not. At the end of the day his only real friend at these parties he threw was Nick and he was still stuck staring at that light. You could say that every American or person wanting to come to America has their own green light they reach out