Open Prompt #4

The prompt for question 3, the “open” question, began by defining a symbol as “an object, action, or event that represents something or that creates a range of associations beyond itself.” The prompt added that symbols can “express an idea, clarify meaning, or enlarge literal meaning.” Students were then asked to select a novel or play, to focus on one symbol, and to write an essay analyzing how the symbol functions in the work; students were asked to analyze what the symbol reveals about characters or themes in the work as a whole. 

In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the symbol of the green light plays a significant role. It is written about in a way that it is unreachable by all. The green light symbolizes Jay Gatsby’s aspirations as well as the American Dream all the characters in the novel desire. First the green light represents Jay Gatsby’s dreams. The novel begins with Gatsby peering across the bay at Daisy Buchanan’s house where the light is coming from. Gatsby desperately wants Daisy’s love, even though she is married to Tom. He wants to feel worthy like he did in the past when he had her.  
The green light also illustrates the idea of the American Dream. The American Dream means something different for each one of the characters. Gatsby already has wealth and popularity, what he truly desires is Daisy. Nick Carraway wants to be successful in the bond business. Daisy Buchanan craves a lover who is true and won’t just use her like Tom does.  
The use of symbols can be very effective in novels. F. Scott Fitzgerald uses the green light to symbolize Jay Gatsby’s wants as well as the American Dream.