2009. A symbol is
an object, action, or event that represents something or that creates a range
of associations beyond itself. In literary works a symbol can express an idea,
clarify meaning, or enlarge literal meaning. Select a novel or play and,
focusing on one symbol, write an essay analyzing how that symbol functions in
the work and what it reveals about the characters or themes of the work as a
whole. Do not merely summarize the plot.
The Great Gatsby is a great example for a novel that has objects that have deep symbols attached to them. One of many symbols in this novel is the very famous green light. This green light, which is located at the end of Daisy's dock across the bay. This bay separates East Egg from West Egg, which is a symbol all on its own.
The green light can mean many things. For example, in the beginning of the book, we see Gatsby reaching out toward the green light across the water. In this specific scenario the green light could be representing Daisy. Him reaching out for the green light shows his desire for her. The green light could also represent his goal to be with her, we know that Gatsby wants to be with Daisy but seeing Gatsby always looking over to the green light shows that he will never forget about her. The reader knows that Gatsby's end goal is to be with Daisy and win her away from Tom, and the green light is there to remind us of that. Gatsby and his green light are also often referred to as the American Dream. The American Dream of being with the perfect woman and having the perfect life, therefore the green light is sometimes generalized as the American Dream and Gatsby's quest for it. Throughout the whole book Gatsby is on his mission to get Daisy with the green light always in the background, so that no matter what is going on in the book the reader does not forget Gatsby's main purpose.
The green light is a symbol that can be easily related to by the reader. Something that you keep wanting and reaching for but can never obtain. Something that you know you can never truly have. The green light connects all of the pieces in The Great Gatsby together.
I did The Great Gatsby for one of my open prompts too! I think it has a great variety of symbols you can use. I felt that it got a little repetitious. For example, this section here, "...the green light could be representing Daisy. Him reaching out for the green light shows his desire for her. The green light could also represent his goal to be with her...". I think it was just the same thing reworded but other than that I think you did a good job analyzing the deeper meaning through color symbolism.
ReplyDeleteGreat book choice for this prompt. I agree with Aishwarya that it did get a little bit repetitive. But that's something you can always fix, and I know I do it too. You did a great job analyzing the deeper meaning of the symbol. But did you ever think that the green light may have represented envy? Green is associated with greed and envy, I think. Could it represent Gatsby's jealousy that some other man has Daisy?
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your choice of book! I think that you need to remember, however, that this is preparation for the AP exam. We're using prompts directly from pasts exams. So remember to write in an essay format. I also don't see a thesis here. You don't have one sentence that tells me what this is going to be about. You kind of just jump into describing the symbol without preparing the audience. I do think you chose a great symbol, though. You just need to do a better job of explaining it.
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