Symbols
The green light:
In chapter 9, Nick brings up Gatsby’s infatuation with the green light again. He compares it to what America must have looked like before settlers had tore down the trees and built cities, just “a fresh, green breast of the new world” (180). Both the green light and the land represent the American Dream. The green light is Daisy, Gatsby’s American dream, and new land is the American dream of new settlers, “the greatest of all human dreams” (180). This also falls under the colour symbolism for green, hope and promise, as well as a new beginning. The green light, in Gatsby’s mind, represents a new beginning for Gatsby and Daisy, and the green land represents a new beginning for Dutch sailors.
Hopalong Cassidy:
This was the book that Gatsby had written in when he was younger. It contains a time schedule that Gatsby made to improve himself. The schedule leaves no time to waste, every time slot of the day, starting at 6 am, is filled. The schedule has ways to improve both his mind and body, keeping him healthy. Underneath the schedule is a list of general resolves reminding himself not to waste time or money on stupid things, but rather to spend his time learning and becoming a better person. This symbolizes Gatsby’s need to be successful and that he is 100 percent dedicated to making the most of himself.
West Egg vs. East Egg:
After reminiscing of his past in the West, with snow and holly wreaths, Nick says that this has been a story about the West after all. All of the main characters came from West Egg and adapted to a new life in the East. Nick states that the group of them were “subtly unadaptable to Eastern life” (177). The East is exciting and adventurous, but he has come to hate the East and the lavish lifestyle. Nick blames the East for turning his friends into different people than they used to be, saying the Buchanan’s were selfish and careless, and didn’t care about anyone else they affected. He says that the East is distorted and grotesque.
In chapter 9, Nick brings up Gatsby’s infatuation with the green light again. He compares it to what America must have looked like before settlers had tore down the trees and built cities, just “a fresh, green breast of the new world” (180). Both the green light and the land represent the American Dream. The green light is Daisy, Gatsby’s American dream, and new land is the American dream of new settlers, “the greatest of all human dreams” (180). This also falls under the colour symbolism for green, hope and promise, as well as a new beginning. The green light, in Gatsby’s mind, represents a new beginning for Gatsby and Daisy, and the green land represents a new beginning for Dutch sailors.
Hopalong Cassidy:
This was the book that Gatsby had written in when he was younger. It contains a time schedule that Gatsby made to improve himself. The schedule leaves no time to waste, every time slot of the day, starting at 6 am, is filled. The schedule has ways to improve both his mind and body, keeping him healthy. Underneath the schedule is a list of general resolves reminding himself not to waste time or money on stupid things, but rather to spend his time learning and becoming a better person. This symbolizes Gatsby’s need to be successful and that he is 100 percent dedicated to making the most of himself.
West Egg vs. East Egg:
After reminiscing of his past in the West, with snow and holly wreaths, Nick says that this has been a story about the West after all. All of the main characters came from West Egg and adapted to a new life in the East. Nick states that the group of them were “subtly unadaptable to Eastern life” (177). The East is exciting and adventurous, but he has come to hate the East and the lavish lifestyle. Nick blames the East for turning his friends into different people than they used to be, saying the Buchanan’s were selfish and careless, and didn’t care about anyone else they affected. He says that the East is distorted and grotesque.
Imagery
“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” (Page 180)
This quote said by Nick refers to the idea of Gatsby trying to move forward by attaining Daisy, but his love with Daisy is in the past, and she has already chosen Tom. It means that we are always moving forward and you can’t go back in time, or in this case, back up the current.
This quote said by Nick refers to the idea of Gatsby trying to move forward by attaining Daisy, but his love with Daisy is in the past, and she has already chosen Tom. It means that we are always moving forward and you can’t go back in time, or in this case, back up the current.