Symbolism Of The Color Gray In 'The Great Gatsby'

Chris Caron
Great Gatsby
Colors
3/23/13

The Valley of Ashes provides the scene for the majority of the use of the color gray in The Great Gatsby. Gray most prominently and obviously symbolizes the hopelessness that thrives within the Valley of Ashes. Fitzgerald describes the Valley of Ashes as "...a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens; where ashes take the forms of houses and chimneys...and ash-gray men swarm up with leaden spades and stir up an impenetrable cloud....". The people who reside in the Valley of Ashes are of the lowest class, from which there is no escape. The gray atmosphere surrounding them symbolizes the hopelessness of their destitute situations. The color gray can also be interpreted a symbol of death. Fittingly, Myrtle Wilson's death occurs in the gray setting of the Valley of Ashes.
Green stands as the most prominent color Fitzgerald employs in The Great Gatsby.
Green is associated with both the green light of Daisy's dock and the "green breast of the new world," which unites the hope and promise of Gatsby' s dream with America. The color green is traditionally associated with spring, hope, and youth. Throughout the novel, green has many possible interpretations, but its use to explain Gatsby’s character is probably the most meaningful in the story. It is also probable that Fitzgerald uses green to symbolize money and its power in society. Money rules the lives of the people in the story. Gatsby needs money to live the life that he does. Gatsby also feels he needs the money to get back together with Daisy. Gatsby has a large green lawn and green ivy going up his house. Inside Gatsby’s car, the passengers sit "in a sort of green leather conservatory." All of these things represent the riches, as well as the importance of money in Gatsby’s
life. Gold is portrayed in many different places in this novel. Earlier, in Gatsby's life, he was deeply in love with Daisy. She had been his life's aspiration, and he had always one day dreamed of being with her once more. She didn't stay with Gatsby in the earlier part of their lives because he wasn't wealthy, and couldn't completely tend to her every need. As he matured, he understood that because of her upbringing as the town "southern bell", and being very spoiled, to win her heart, he must too become a man of great wealth. This is where the depiction of gold starts to take place. Gatsby wishes to lure Daisy back to him, using the appeal of his wealth and power as a tool. A daisy flower, if you think about it closely, has a golden center. For all of Daisy's life she has required a certain attending to. Gold is a symbol of wealth. This is a re-occurring image that is seen throughout Gatsby's parties and displays of prosperity. Gold can also mean corruption. Many of the extravagant parties that Gatsby had to lure Daisy to his house, take place in West Egg. Although West Egg and East Egg, appear to be the home of great and honorable men and women, they are places of utter corruption. An egg is white and pure on the outside, but the center is yellow, or golden on the inside. This applies to everyone living in East and West Egg, but mostly Gatsby and Daisy. Daisy is portrayed, on several occasions, wearing all white. The reality of all this is, her true sole is very selfish and full of corruption.