The student demonstrates a need for improvement in understanding the literal meaning of *The Great Gatsby*, as they have not provided a brief overview of the plot and key characters, which would clarify the text's context. While the student effectively interprets the indirect meaning through color symbolism, particularly the green motif, their thesis statement lacks clarity and focus, requiring a more explicit articulation of how color symbolism critiques the American Dream. However, the exploration of the thesis in relation to body paragraphs is well-executed, with insightful connections made to broader themes and implications of the text. Additionally, the student needs to incorporate well-chosen references to support their analysis, as the current lack of textual evidence weakens their arguments regarding Gatsby's motivations and desires.