Green is directly tied to the green light that emerges in the novel, which is intimately related to Gatsby himself and the novel’s concept. Nick noticed Gatsby shivering and reaching his hands to the black water: “Involuntarily I glanced seaward — and distinguished nothing except a single green light” (Fitzgerald, 2017, p. 19). The reader later discovers that the green light is on at the wharf near Daisy’s house.
The green light, in Gatsby’s eyes, represents Daisy herself, the fantasy of his life, the one whom the hero dreams of and strives for. He believes Daisy broke off their engagement and married wealthy Tom because of Gatsby’s poverty. As a result, the hero sincerely feels that if he produces enough money, he can win her back. He is filled with hope, and the green light brightens and fuels them, representing his aim.
The green light shines for the second time when Gatsby has already successfully proven the immense amount of his money to Daisy. Witnessing her tears, he informs her, “You always have a green light that burns all night at the end of your dock” (Fitzgerald, 2017, p. 72). Gatsby appears to be on the verge of realizing his ideal, but he is seized with serious reflection due to the vast disparity between the actual Daisy and the heroine of his fantasy. The green light appears to have lost its initial significance and allure, symbolizing the conflict between desire and reality and implying that the American ideal is lovely in vision but fragile in reality.
At the conclusion of the novel, the green light glows for the final time. People who believe in its magical light no longer exist after Gatsby’s death, signaling the failure of the American ideal. In addition to the dream’s breakdown, the green light also symbolizes new hope and the never-ending battle to realize people’s dreams.
Reference
Fitzgerald, F. Scott (2017). The Great Gatsby. Ripol Classics.