Gatsby Color Symbolism

Color Symbolism in the Great Gatsby: Corruption and Characterization “Involuntarily I glanced seaward- and distinguished nothing except a single green light, minute and far way, that might have been the end of a dock” (p. 21) The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald was set in the Roaring Twenties, which were known for loud parties, corruption, dishonesty and the wannabe rich. F. Scott Fitzgerald creates the theme of corruption, particularly of the American Dream, in The Great Gatsby by presenting the evils encompassed in socioeconomic class relationships. The main character and protagonist of the novel, Jay Gatsby, represents the American Dream through his actions as he comes from a less luxurious background attempting to achieve nothing
In a description of Daisy from Jordan Baker she says, "She dressed in white and drove a little white roadster." (p. 75) Fitzgerald is suggesting that as a young lady, Daisy represented innocence, but now only looks innocent from the outside as she is corrupt on the inside. White can also symbolize the emptiness of Daisy and her lack of genuine love for anything but money and wealth. Nick suggests her careless approach on her life when he says, “That was as cool as their white dresses and their impersonal eyes in the absence of all desire (p. 12). Even though Nick is referring to Daisy and Jordan’s dresses, Daisy’s careless attitude becomes apparent. Because the color white symbolizes Daisy, it also represents the emptiness of the American Dream because she is Gatsby’s ultimate dream that he never
He also uses this symbolism to express his view of the American Dream at this time in history. Fitzgerald communicates the American Dream as something that will ultimately always end in failure because the goals people set are unachievable. Green, the most dominant color in the book, symbolizes wealth and Gatsby's unattainable dream. White, even though an innocent and pure color, is also proved to represent emptiness. Lastly, yellow illustrates the downfall of moral standards of the people of West Egg as they focus everything on becoming more