GCELiterature in EnglishNon-African Prose2021

In F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, the green light that Gatsby reaches toward at the end of Daisy's dock most powerfully symbolises

AHis envy of Tom Buchanan's social status
BThe unattainable American Dream and his longing for the pastCORRECT
CHis desire to escape prosecution for bootlegging
DThe promise of a new life in Europe with Daisy
AI
Toaster Teacher
Why the answer is B, and why the others tempt you.
The green light is one of the novel's most significant symbols, representing Gatsby's yearning for Daisy as well as the broader illusion of the American Dream—the belief that the past can be recaptured and that wealth brings fulfilment. Nick's closing meditation on the green light extends this symbolism to the futile human tendency to strive toward an ever-receding ideal.
Want this in Pidgin, Yoruba, Igbo or Hausa? Sign up free →

Practice more Literature in English questions

GCE Literature in English has thousands more questions like this — with Worked answers on every one.