Abstract:Fitzgerald used a lot of symbolism in the Great Gatsby, the most distinct symbol of which is the green light. This paper is concerned with the symbolic meaning of the green light, and analyzes from the three appearances of green lights. The first green light symbolizes the American dream that Gatsby pursued throughout his life and the American dream that people persuaded. The second light is the disillusionment of Gatsby. While American dream has undergone changes under the erosion of money worship and hedonism. And the third green light means original dream of the hero, and Gatsby is not willing to pursue the corrupt American dream like others, and then eventually becomes the victim in Jazz age. This paper reveals the connection between three-time green lights and the American dream, as well as the author's criticism of the social essence during that period.

Key words: the green light; the third time, symbolism; American dream

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

Introduction-1

I.-The first time and its symbolic significance-3

A.-Personal significance on Gatsby-3

B.-The significance to the whole American-4

II.-The second time and its symbolic significance-7

A.-The significance to Gatsby’s love-7

B.-The broken of Gatsby’s dream-8

C.-The broken of American dream-9

III.-The third time and its symbolic significance-11

A.-Gatsby gets his dream back-11

B.-The change of American dream-12

Conclusion-13

Bibliography-15

Acknowledgements-16