The Great Gatsby Chapters 3-5

     Within chapters 3 through 5 there are numerous symbolic examples that aid in Fitzgerald's telling of the story which I am would like to discuss. 

     The first symbol I found interesting is the presence of the green light that was mentioned in a previous chapter. When I first read of the green light in Chapter one, I thought that it might simply refer to Gatsby's mysterious character, but as it reappeared in this reading, other possible meanings were revealed. The green glow of the light that "burns all night at the end of [Daisy's] dock" may symbolize a beacon of hope for Gatsby's love for Daisy. Because loved her to the extent that he even “bought [his] house so that Daisy would be across the bay,” I find this the single best explanation of the light. But if that is the true meaning, the significance of the light dissipates as Gatsby's dream of being with Daisy is fulfilled so I’m not positive this is the correct meaning of  the symbol.

     Another plausible meaning behind the light may simply be the hope of people to become significant, to mean something, to be someone. People of the thirties, especially in this community, put a enormous emphasis on possessions, social status, and social presence within the popular high class people.  

    The final possible symbolism behind the glow is America's striving for individuality, financial stability, and freedom. "Americans, while occasionally willing to be serfs (lower class,) have always been obstinate (determined) about [not] being peasantry," or in other words constantly refuse to be "below" or under the control of their peers. Like a distant light, the possibility of freedom was visible along the horizon but yet so out of reach.

    Gatsby’s personality is another item that intrigues and confuses me as a reader. As the reader blatantly knows from the proceeding chapters, Gatsby lives an obscured life of luxury. Between hosting drunken parties, his unorthodox business operation, and his non-conclusive back story, Gatsby is, as Nick states a "character," we just cannot trust. The “increasing rain” that suddenly appeared shortly before Gatsby and Daisy's date demonstrates an important shift in the story. As Gatsby fulfills his dream of being with Daisy, though, we observe a personality metamorphism. He was symbolically cleansed of his narcissistic behaviors! This is not apparent until after the rain ceased and “there were twinkle-bells of sunshine in the room.” Fitzgerald described Gatsby with a series of similes: “[Gatsby was] smiling like a weather man, like an ecstatic patron of recurrent light.”

   All though I’m not certain that Gatsby’s new personality will stick around, I’m hopeful that he will get rid of his frivolous old behaviors.