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F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece, "The Great Gatsby," delves into the intricacies of social classes and examines the theme of a diminishing social order. This thematic exploration is evident not only in the relationships between characters but also in the characters themselves. Fitzgerald employs color symbolism to not only set the scenes and events but also to intricately depict, describe, and mold each character. One such character is Gatsby, whose choices, decisions, ideas, and beliefs are symbolically represented by the colors yellow, green, and white.
Yellow emerges as the color embodying new money and acquired wealth in the narrative.
Fitzgerald skillfully integrates yellow into the story, portraying it as a vivid representation of Gatsby's affluence and his insatiable desire to accumulate even more, flaunting it to society. An example of this is when Nick describes, "...I put my arm around Jordan's golden shoulder." (Pg. 77). Gatsby's blinded pursuit of wealth, fueled by his love for Daisy, is exemplified by the purchase of a large yellow Rolls Royce, showcasing his newfound prosperity.
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The pervasive presence of "yellow cocktail music" at his parties further underscores Gatsby's extravagant lifestyle. Additionally, the symbolism extends to Gatsby's attempt to conceal his past, as seen in the yellow shirt he wears while fabricating stories for Nick. The use of yellow mirrors Gatsby's mourning for his concealed history, reminiscent of Egypt and Burma.
Fitzgerald utilizes the color green to symbolize elements of greed, hope, and jealousy within the narrative. Gatsby's newly acquired wealth pales in comparison to the old money possessed by Tom Buchanan.
"In the sunlight, his time was green." (Pg. 117). The green hue encapsulates Gatsby's envy towards Tom, as well as his hopeless love and yearning for Daisy. The brightness of this color represents the hope Gatsby harbors for a future with Daisy. The green light emanating from Daisy's dock becomes a poignant symbol of his aspirations and desires. It signifies his yearning for an opportunity to build a future with the woman he loves.
Fitzgerald employs the color white to symbolize purity and as a mask concealing dishonesty. Gatsby's idealistic desire to win Daisy's love is epitomized by her appearance as the white lady of his dreams, adorned in a radiant white dress. "His heart beat faster when Daisy's white face came up to his own." (Pg. 107). Daisy's use of white powder on her face and her discussions about her "white girlhood" project an image of purity, yet beneath the surface lies corruption and materialism. Gatsby's dreams, depicted in white, unravel as Daisy's materialistic ideals overshadow the purity he once envisioned. In essence, Gatsby's true love is revealed as a dark reality masked by a veil of false purity.
In conclusion, Fitzgerald masterfully constructs a vivid world of colors that envelops the characters in the story, not merely shaping their appearances and actions, but delving into the intricacies of their personalities and emotions. These colors serve as a conduit, connecting the reader to the novel on a visceral level, enabling them to experience the events and emotions alongside the characters. Gatsby's character, rich with color imagery, allows readers to empathize with his feelings, sense his experiences, and aspire to understand his essence. The pervasive use of color symbolism in Gatsby's narrative substantiates and reinforces the greatness embedded in "The Great Gatsby."
The Symbolism of Color in "The Great Gatsby". (2016, Jul 08). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/the-great-gatsby-color-analysis-essay
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