The Irony of Desire

While I was reading The Great Gatsby over break, I noticed something very ironic with Mr. Gatsby.

Jay Gatsby is portrayed as incredibly wealthy, living in a "factual imitation of Hotel de Ville in Normandy"(9) with a marble swimming pool. He has so much money and owns so many things. Yet despite all this, he desires the green light.  Nick's first encounter with Mr. Gatsby is during a late night in which Gatsby is standing at the edge of his dock with his arms stretched out "toward the water in a curious way" (25).  Later in chapters four and five we come to realize that the green light belongs to Daisy's house and of the past relationship Mr. Gatsby and Daisy had together.  We assume Jay Gatsby lives a relaxing and easy life, filled with partying and fun adventures.  This isn't the case when Jay first reunites with Daisy in Nick's house though, for he becomes very nervous and loses his usual calmness. Judging from the way Jay reacts to his encounter with Daisy, it is obvious that he really does want to be back with her again, to have it be just like five years ago .  This ultimately shows that even though someone could have everything he/she needs, something else is always desired.