American Literature CLEP Prep 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

In "The Great Gatsby," the green light at the end of Daisy Buchanan's dock primarily symbolizes Gatsby's unattainable dream and hope. This light represents Gatsby's desire for a future with Daisy, embodying his aspirations and the idealized vision of what he believes their life together could be. Throughout the novel, Gatsby gazes at this green light, signifying not only his longing for Daisy but also the broader theme of the American Dream, which is characterized by the pursuit of goals that may ultimately be impossible to achieve.

The light serves as a constant reminder of both Gatsby's dreams and the elusive nature of those dreams. As the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that achieving his ideal is more challenging than he anticipates, reflecting the struggles inherent in striving for goals that are out of reach. This symbolism captures the essence of hope in the face of inevitable disappointment, making it a powerful motif within the narrative. The other options, while they may contain elements related to Gatsby's character or the broader themes of the novel, do not encapsulate the significance of the green light as accurately as the representation of unattainable dreams and hope.