The Green Light

In The Great Gatsby the "green light" serves as more then just a light.  It is a symbol that is slowly gaining meaning throughout the book. In the first chapter of the book it implies Gatsby reaching out for this strange light, almost as if yearning for it, or worshiping it. A quote i found in the book referring to the light is on page 16, which says:

"I didn't call to him, for he gave a sudden intimation that he was content to be alone - he stretched out his arms towards the dark water in a curious way, and, far as I was from him, I could have sworn he was trembling. Involuntarily I glanced seaward - and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far away, 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." 

To me, the color green may symbolize hope, and reassurance of whats to come.  It gives someone to the strength to carry on. Later in the book it is said that this "green light" that Gatsby is reaching out to is the light at the end of Daisy's dock.  This shows his hope for a successful future with Daisy. He is yearning for her and this light is the only thing that connects the two.  Every time he looks at this light it gives him just another reason not to give up on her.  In a way this "green light" symbolizes Gatsby's lifelong dream.