What does the green light symbolize in "The Great Gatsby"?

The green light in "The Great Gatsby" serves as a powerful symbol of Gatsby's unattainable dream, particularly his aspiration to be reunited with Daisy Buchanan. Positioned across the bay from Gatsby's mansion, the light represents both desire and the longing for a future that is forever just out of reach. Throughout the novel, Gatsby's fixation on the light illustrates his relentless pursuit of an idealized version of love and success, which ultimately remains elusive.

The symbolism of the green light encapsulates the broader themes of the American Dream and the notion that such dreams often lead to disappointment and disillusionment. As characters strive for aspirations that seem promising, they may find that the reality of their achievements does not fulfill the deep emotional needs they associate with those ambitions. Thus, the green light becomes a poignant reminder of hope intertwined with despair, marking it as a key element of Gatsby's tragic narrative.