In The Great Gatsby, Scott Fitzgerald uses the color green in regards to many different aspects of the novel. The color green is associated with the American dream in the 1920's, which was to be successful and have money. At that time, all that mattered was if you could make money, be successful, and be able to fulfill your dreams, all of which the color green is associated with the novel. Throughout the novel, Gatsby is in pursuit of this green light, which is Daisy's love, but it is only at the end of the novel is when he realizes that this dream of acquiring Daisy was not a reality and that it could not come to pass. Even so, the green light leaves the readers with hope that all their dreams can be achieved if they pursue them, characterizing the book as both realist and romantic and thus, thoroughly modern. .
The American dream in the 1920's revolved around having money and living a good, rich lifestyle. Although Gatsby obtains his money through illegal business, he still achieved this American dream in many ways. People look up to him and he becomes powerful and important because of his money and his abilities to carry out anything he wants to. With his money, Gatsby can accomplish anything he sets his mind to and he has the ability and the opportunity to achieve his goals. Therefore, the usage of the color green also represents the future and opportunities that Gatsby has because of his money. He has the power to do whatever he wants to do, and this is what every American at that time period wants. .
"Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter--to-morrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther . . . . And one fine morning---- So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past."" (189).
This quote shows the significance of the color green as representing hopes for the future.
