F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby,' published in 1925, is considered the 'Great American Novel' for its exploration of the American Dream, class, and obsession. Set during the Roaring Twenties, the book is famous for its rich symbolism, most notably the 'Green Light' at the end of Daisy Buchanan’s dock. To the protagonist Jay Gatsby, the light represents his hopes and dreams for the future and his quest to win back Daisy. Other symbols include the 'Valley of Ashes,' representing the moral and social decay of the uninhibited pursuit of wealth, and the 'Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg,' which represent God staring down upon a godless society. Although the novel was not a commercial success during Fitzgerald's lifetime, selling fewer than 20,000 copies, it gained immense popularity during World War II when it was distributed as 'Armed Services Editions' to soldiers. Today, it is recognized as a quintessential critique of the excesses and illusions of the Jazz Age.