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.
Symbols are seen everywhere, and a reader can turn most anything into a symbol for whatever they see fit. Symbols don't always have one direct meaning; often times they have multiple. Symbols are used to convey different ideas and suggestions to the plot to help readers understand the text more thoroughly and literally. In the novel The Great Gatsby, we see the use of many, many different symbols; however, the most significant one would have to be the green light that Gatsby is trying to reach out to.
In The Great Gatsby, the symbolism behind the green light represents hopes and dreams. Gatsby used to be dating Daisy. After they break up, due to his participation in the war, he desperately wants to get her back. He doesn't realize how everything is always moving forward though, and what they used to have before he went to war is no longer there. Throughout the book he tries and tries to get her back, and for a while we, the readers, were all thinking that maybe she would get back together with him. We see their relationship goes no where though, because she has moved on to Tom and she loves him now. In the very beginning of the novel, Gatsby is looking out across the water and notices a green light. He reaches out towards it, and that conveys an entire new meaning intended for the readers to pick up on.
Green is the color of hope. While Gatsby is reaching towards the green light, he is really reaching for his hopes and dreams to come true with Daisy. Little does Gatsby know that the green light is actually coming from Daisy's house, which really resembles how he desperately wants to get her back. Reaching out to this light will lead him to his end goal: getting Daisy. As hard as he tries though, the light doesn't getting any more attainable. It's so far across the waters, and all he can do is see it. This goes to show how he can't attain Daisy, all he can do is dream of someday getting her and hope that it comes true, which we see that it never will.
If the green light wasn't ever mentioned in the novel, there wouldn't really be a connecting image. Through the light we can see at the very beginning of the novel that there is something that Gatsby wants, but we aren't exactly sure of what that is. As time goes on though, we are told that this light stands at the end of Daisy's dock. Once we know that, as readers, we put the pieces together. There is a light, a green light to be exact, that can just barely be seen across the waters. And as for Daisy and Gatsby, we can see that there used to be a "light" between them, but as time went by it slowly diminished. What he thought was so close and easy to recapture, ended up fading away right in front of his eyes. Gatsby no longer had anything left to live for.
I don't really understand what you're arguing in this essay. There's not really a clear thesis, and then you kind of just go on to summarize the relationship between Daisy and Gatsby. So, first off, you need to clearly state your thesis. If you want to argue that the green light is a symbol of Gatsby's hope, then that should be your thesis. Also make sure to include in that sentence what the symbol reveals about the characters or themes of the work as a whole. As for the rest of the paper, you need to cut out a lot of extra details and information. The fact that "Gatsby no longer had anything left to live for" seems like a random detail to me. The point is to analyze, so there needs to be more explanation, with a few details interspersed.
ReplyDeleteOn a different note, how do you know "green is the color of hope"? Maybe in the novel that's how it functions, but I've always been told it's associated with newness and life.
You clearly know a lot of information about The Great Gatsby, you just need to focus down and organize your thoughts.
Julia, I think you put together a good piece. You chose a symbol to talk about and used many good examples of the green light from the book. I agree with Haley though, you need to dig deeper into how the symbol affects the characters and theme of the story. I see where you are coming from with the green representing hope. It is definitely a reoccurring object in the book. I believe it is very important in showing many things in the book and, like you say, shows the desire Gatsby has for Daisy. I think you have a very well structured and written essay.
ReplyDeleteInteresting essay you've written here, Julia. Great opening paragraph, using the definition of symbol and expanding upon it is definitely an awesome way to start an essay. However, I think the thesis needs to be made longer, maybe talking about how the light is a symbol, setting up for the paragraphs, but your's works great as is. The first sentence of the second paragraph is contradicting to your opener, as you say that there is only one symbol, and you said in the opening it was open for interpretation. I got the meaning you've put across, but it doesn't come across especially clearly, some sentences run into each other, and some words I think you think have a different meaning. The ideas are clearly there, it just needs to be organized better. Great essay though, definitely makes me want to read the novel.
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