What Does The Color Symbolize In The Great Gatsby

Words: 1073
Pages: 5

F. Scott Fitzgerald is known for his use of subtlety in his novels. There is, however, one thing that Fitzgerald isn’t so subtle about: colors. Fitzgerald mentions colors of all kind in every single chapter of the novel. These colors can be thought to be used to add descriptors so the reader can get a better sense of what is going on in the novel; Fitzgerald just doesn’t throw random colors to increase his word count. Fitzgerald uses the constant symbolism of colors to represent the thematic opposition of optimism versus the harsh reality of life by showing it in the relationships between the major characters of the novel and in some individuals themselves. Fitzgerald mentions colors in his novel to reflect the theme of optimism versus reality with relationships in the novel. In the first chapter of the novel, Fitzgerald opens with …show more content…
Such colors as gold, white, and red are colors that represent wealth, innocence, and power. These colors act as a mask for Daisy and Tom to hide behind. These bright and luxurious colors represent optimism because from a distance Daisy and Tom’s relationship may seem like a content and hopeful couple but the harsh reality of the situation is that they are unhappy and nearly broken. Daisy and Tom conceal themselves behind these colors because they want everybody around them to think that they are happy even though they are living in the harsh reality of broken marriages. Another way that Fitzgerald uses colors to enhance the theme of optimism versus harsh reality is through Gatsby himself. Gatsby is thought to have “an extraordinary gift of hope” according to Nick. He is optimistic. In chapter 5 of the novel, Gatsby is slinging shirts of all colors to Daisy when