The Great Gatsby Cover Analysis

Madison Norton
Benedetto
English 4H
21 December 2012
The Great Gatsby Cover Analysis The front cover of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald can be interpreted in various ways, differing in perspective and reflections. The interpretation of the cover of this novel can ultimately differ between every person, depending on their understanding of the text and their imagination. Using color symbolism, image relation, and a comprehension of the painting used for the cover, one can form the interpretation that the cover is focused mainly on Daisy and Gatsby’s relationship throughout the novel. Using color symbolism, we can conclude that the front cover of The Great Gatsby is based on the relationship between Daisy Buchanan and Jay Gatsby, who recently just reunited after 5 years. By looking at the actual title on the cover, it can be concluded that the yellow text of the title could represent joy, idealism, and deceit. Joy and idealism can be determined from the yellow because all of Gatsby’s parties are filled with joy and excitement, and Gatsby’s entire lifestyle is very idealistic and he always strives for perfection. The yellow of the text could also represent deceit, which is a very prominent characteristic of all the characters in this novel. In addition, it can also be concluded that the red lips on the cover could symbolize the energy and aggression present in The Great Gatsby. This red could exhibit the energy of all of Gatsby’s parties and everything hectic that goes on during Daisy and Gatsby’s reunion, such as the bell clock incident, as well as the aggression that Tom Buchanan and Gatsby have for each other, after Tom suspects that Daisy is falling for Gatsby again. By relating certain images from the cover to the plot, character, and symbols in The Great Gatsby, it can be assumed that the amusement park portrayed on the cover represents Gatsby and his elaborate and over-the-top lifestyle. This amusement park could also symbolize the constant attraction that Gatsby had for Daisy. In addition to the amusement park below the woman’s face, the lighter blue streak on the cover could represent either a teardrop or a firework about to explode into the night sky. This major difference in interpretations ultimately shows that F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel had two sides to every situation, Nick’s perception and the completely truthful perception. The most prominent part of this front cover would be the woman’s eyes, which could be looked at as watching the daily amusement and events below her. This could symbolize Daisy beginning to observe everything that occurs at Gatsby’s mansion and in Gatsby’s everyday existence. This can be especially connected to when Daisy cries into all of Gatsby’s nice shirts, showing her recognizing that she can finally have love and money, not just money like she had with tom. The tear coming down her face could represent Daisy’s realization that she can have Gatsby again, and that she is confused and doesn’t know how exactly to handle the situation yet. The painting used for this novel’s front cover, Celestial Eyes by Francis Cugat, can connect greatly to the novel because of the reoccurring theme of “all-seeing eyes.” The title of the painting can connect to the idea that God is always watching the events on Earth, because celestial most likely means godlike or divine in this context. In conclusion, by using color symbolism, image relation, and an understanding of the painting used for the cover of The Great Gatsby, it can be concluded that this cover is portraying idealism, deceit, trust, energy, and aggression, which are all present throughout F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel. The cover can most likely be interpreted as a woman crying above an amusement park, which could symbolize many different elements of The Great Gatsby. An interpretation of the cover of this novel can ultimately be formed differently by every person, depending on their understanding of the text and their imagination.