In April 2025, the Empire State Building was lit up in green to celebrate the 100th anniversary of this novel’s publication
On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, Jeopardy! featured a literary-themed Final Jeopardy clue in the category “Novels”: “In April 2025, the Empire State Building was lit up in green to celebrate the 100th anniversary of this novel’s publication.”
What is The Great Gatsby?
The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, was first published in April 1925. Often cited as one of the greatest American novels, it explores themes of wealth, idealism, excess, and the American Dream in the context of the Roaring Twenties. Set primarily in the fictional towns of West Egg and East Egg on Long Island, the story is told through the eyes of Nick Carraway, who becomes entangled in the mysterious life of millionaire Jay Gatsby.
The novel was not a major success when it was released, but it gained recognition over time—especially after World War II—becoming a staple of American high school and university curricula. Today, The Great Gatsby is celebrated for its lyrical prose, poignant symbolism, and sharp social commentary.
The Significance of Green: Symbolism and Celebration
The lighting of the Empire State Building in green in April 2025 was a symbolic tribute to The Great Gatsby’s centennial. In the novel, the green light at the end of Daisy Buchanan’s dock stands as a powerful symbol of Gatsby’s hopes and dreams for the future. The image of the green light has become one of the most recognizable motifs in American literature.
By illuminating one of New York’s most iconic buildings in green, the city paid homage not only to Fitzgerald’s work but also to the enduring legacy of 1920s culture. The gesture tied the story’s setting—Long Island and New York City—to its modern-day commemoration in a striking and visible way.
A Timeless Exploration of the American Dream
At its core, The Great Gatsby offers a critique of the American Dream. Gatsby, born James Gatz, reinvents himself with the belief that he can attain happiness and fulfillment through wealth and social status. His relentless pursuit of Daisy and the illusion of a perfect life ultimately lead to his downfall.
The novel’s enduring relevance lies in its ability to mirror the aspirations and disillusionments of successive generations. As the U.S. marked 100 years since its publication, The Great Gatsby continues to spark conversations around ambition, identity, and the costs of idealism.
Cultural Legacy and Continued Influence
Beyond literature, The Great Gatsby has had a significant impact on film, fashion, and popular culture. It has been adapted into multiple films, with the 2013 version starring Leonardo DiCaprio helping to renew interest among younger audiences. The imagery of flapper dresses, jazz music, and opulent parties often draws from Fitzgerald’s world.
The 100th anniversary has prompted new editions, exhibitions, and public events that revisit Fitzgerald’s life and the historical context of the novel. Literary scholars and cultural historians alike continue to analyze its rich symbolism and complex characters, ensuring its place in the canon for years to come.
Why This Clue Stood Out on Jeopardy!
The clue offered contestants an opportunity to connect recent headlines with a century-old novel. By referencing a current event—the green lighting of the Empire State Building—it tested not just literary knowledge but also cultural awareness. For viewers, it served as a reminder of the lasting impact that one novel can have on both national identity and collective memory.
The Great Gatsby turning 100 in 2025 marked a major milestone in American letters. And thanks to Jeopardy!, millions were reminded of its significance in a single, well-crafted clue.