The Great Gatsby

Introduction

The American dream is a topic which discussed within the novel, both by literal description and through symbolic images. The “green breast of the new world” (Bruccoli, Joseph, pp.23-28), in the novel is a sort of beacon of hope it holds the struggles; and longed triumphs that epitomize the American immigrant. These immigrants came to the new world seeking religious freedom, opportunity, and democracy, only to find out that their perfect visions had become corrupted by the views of others. In the novel, Gatsby looks upon the green light as a newly envisioned life for himself. The main points in the novel symbolize Gatsby's rise and fall. These events are portrayed by two specifics, which are the presence or absence of light, and some form of physical trembling. The first image appears when Nick sees Gatsby for one of the first times, standing in his backyard. Gatsby stared at the glowing green light at the end of the dock where Daisy lives, and reached out to it, as Nick could have sworn he was trembling. At this point in the novel, Gatsby can only reach out longingly at a light he associates with his former lover”. The next time occurs when Gatsby meets Daisy again, after five years since they had last seen each other. Gatsby “turned on a solitary lamp” and “lit Daisy's cigarette with a trembling match.” Once again, we see a single light and once again Gatsby reaches toward Daisy while trembling not with longing for love, but with excitement and joy at recovering her. In this paper, the two symbols discussed are, “The green light” and “Valley of Ashley's”.

Discussion

The first major symbols in the story are introduced through the geography. This provides a backdrop that presents itself throughout the story. In the novel, most events take place in West Egg, East Egg, and the Valley of Ashes, and these also represent a constant reminder of the differences in the wealthy and poor classes. West Egg, where Gatsby's mansion is located, demonstrates the new American Dream. It is home to those that are newly rich from the post-war, Prohibition era. The other village, known as East Egg, displays the old aristocracy connected to more traditional social values and ideals. The “long-time captains of industry “, maintain their opposition to against the new millionaires of the west. In between the two towns lies the Valley of Ashes, ...