The Green Light

"I could have sworn he was trembling.  Involuntarily I glanced seaward-and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far way, that might have been the end of a dock.  When I looked once more for Gatsby he had vanished, and I was alone again in the unquiet darkness."  (Fitzgerald 21)

This passage has elicited the most profound reaction from me.  It is a great example of the masterful imagery found in The Great Gatsby.  In my mind, the scene takes place in a cold, dark night, and Gatsby is only barely visible.  There is a thick mist across the sea and the green light fractures in every droplet with a slow, beating frequency similar to the core of dead star.  This scene also adds depth to the personalities of this historical era of excess and extravagance.  We don't know anything about Gatsby at this point in time other than the fact that he is extremely rich.  People usually assume that rich people is perfectly fulfilled but this scene shows otherwise.  The trembling hints at a void in Gatsby's life and a strong desire for something important, something money can't buy.  The misty night, the shrouded personality of Gatsby, and the fact that we are viewing this world through the eyes of Nick Carraway, who is still figuring out where he fits in this complex, high society, create such a strong air of mystery that makes this book impossible not to continue reading.  This passage is a wonderful example of keeping a novel interesting and engaging from the onset.