Great Gatsby

Money, a Light, and an Eye: Beyond the Substance

Dreams. A condition or achievement that is longed for. An aspiration. Dreams can give one hope and courage to complete some of their wildest fantasies. They can build desires in one's hearts, and bring individuals closer together. In the novel, The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald demonstrates the idea that dreams are not always obtainable they are mere illusions. He best conveys this idea to the readers through the symbolism of money, the green light, and the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg because they play an integral role in urging the characters to dream.

Money, an imperative symbol in the novel, is a theme seen from the beginning, ever since Nick relocates to become wealthier. The whole idea of the story revolves around money and becoming rich to obtain love. This green paper symbolizes Gatsby's desire to be with Daisy and also Myrtle's way of bringing Tom closer to her. Myrtle believes that Tom can buy anything her heart desires. When she wanted a dog, Tom articulated, "Here's your money. Go and buy ten more dogs with it" (page 28). After knowing that Tom could never actually marry Myrtle, because he was Catholic and can never get divorced, she stayed with him for the wealth. Also, she needed to keep her affair with Tom and get a glimpse of the high class society, since Myrtle's destitute husband could not provide the glamorous lifestyle. This was the similar situation for Gatsby.

The green light located at the end of the Buchanan's dock represents how Gatsby wants to win Daisy's love. Nick's first vision of Gatsby is of his neighbor's trembling arms stretched out toward the green light. After Daisy and Gatsby's successful reunion, a mist conceals the green light, visibly affecting Gatsby. The "possibly it had occurred to him that the colossal significance of that light had now vanished forever,"