1970 Also. Choose a work of recognized literary merit in which a specific inanimate object (e.g., a seashell, a handkerchief, a painting) is important, and write an essay in which you show how two or three of the purposes the object serves are related to one another.
"The Great Gatsby" is a novel of great literary merit, and it has been used time and time again as a representation of America's history. Not only does the novel itself contain examples into the past of America, but it also creates symbols that are used to portray these ideas. The green light at the end of Daisy's dock showcases the many thoughts of Jay Gatsby and more importantly America.
As Jay Gatsby looks across the water from his own land, he admires the green light that comes from the end of Daisy's dock. Gatsby and Daisy have a history between them, which Gatsby cannot seem to get off of his mind. As he looks into the glow of the light he reminisces on his past, and he remains hopeful for the future. All of his hopes and dreams for the future are presented through this one, important symbol. His love for Daisy is prominent throughout the entire novel. The green light is only a symbol of his adoration.
The American Dream seems to be a major theme throughout the novel, as well. Gatsby's longing for the unattainable (Daisy), is symbolic of the way America has been. For instance, many American's look forward to the picture perfect lifestyle; a family, stable job, and money. However, for many American's this is a difficult goal to reach. Because the green light symbolizes Gatsby's goals for the future that are unlikely, it is clear that the American Dream is portrayed through the light, too.
The green light at the end of Daisy's dock is such a simple roadmap that guides us through the novel's ideas. Nevertheless, it is quite important to the understanding of the story. The green light is entirely basic, but it creates great themes and meanings throughout the play, and portrays America and a man's hopes for the future.
As Jay Gatsby looks across the water from his own land, he admires the green light that comes from the end of Daisy's dock. Gatsby and Daisy have a history between them, which Gatsby cannot seem to get off of his mind. As he looks into the glow of the light he reminisces on his past, and he remains hopeful for the future. All of his hopes and dreams for the future are presented through this one, important symbol. His love for Daisy is prominent throughout the entire novel. The green light is only a symbol of his adoration.
The American Dream seems to be a major theme throughout the novel, as well. Gatsby's longing for the unattainable (Daisy), is symbolic of the way America has been. For instance, many American's look forward to the picture perfect lifestyle; a family, stable job, and money. However, for many American's this is a difficult goal to reach. Because the green light symbolizes Gatsby's goals for the future that are unlikely, it is clear that the American Dream is portrayed through the light, too.
The green light at the end of Daisy's dock is such a simple roadmap that guides us through the novel's ideas. Nevertheless, it is quite important to the understanding of the story. The green light is entirely basic, but it creates great themes and meanings throughout the play, and portrays America and a man's hopes for the future.
I really like the book and green light example that you picked out. I would however, develop your arguments and support them with a little more detail. Also, at some points it seems almost like a plot summary (second paragraph, mainly) which I know the AP lit test people don't usually like.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Alexis that you picked a great example that really works for the prompt. I especially like your third paragraph where you talk about the light relating to the American Dream, you used good specific evidence there. I think that you could work on improving your intro and concluding paragraphs, as they seem very vague. Instead of saying in your intro "it shows the many thoughts of Gatsby" I would try to say something about what thoughts of Gatsby you plan on elaborating on.
ReplyDeleteI think you did a good job with answering the question. You gave the two meanings of the green light and then how they are related to each other. I agree with John about how you could elaborate a bit more in the intro and conclusion. I felt that in both those paragraphs when you talked about the light and America, you just said that it "portrays America." I think it would be nice to include some more detail about the American Dream in those two paragraphs. I think maybe you could also include some more about how theis symbol helps with the overall meaning of the work. You had a little bit about how the light is related to some main themes in the novel, but you don't really make a clear statement about how the symbol helped Fitzgerald convey his point through the novel.
ReplyDelete