In "The Great Gatsby," colors play an important role in showing the characters' traits and the themes of the story. For example, white symbolizes purity and innocence but also reveals a more superficial side. Daisy Buchanan, who represents this color, seems charming and beautiful, yet her actions show a lack of depth and moral understanding. While she looks like the perfect lady, her actions reveal a darker side, showing that what looks pure can sometimes hide selfishness.
Gray, linked to decay and loss, represents the disillusionment in the novel. The gray valley of ashes is a strong reminder of the moral decline that comes with the greedy chase for wealth. It represents the people left behind in the pursuit of the American Dream, like George and Myrtle Wilson, who face the harsh realities of economic struggles. This gray landscape highlights the emptiness beneath the glamorous parties thrown by Gatsby, suggesting that the American Dream is often just an illusion based on materialism.
Yellow is another important color, representing wealth and excess during the Jazz Age. Gatsby's yellow car symbolizes his new money and social status. However, yellow also stands for caution and betrayal, hinting that wealth can be tricky. This shows how money can bring status but also reveal the emptiness behind those pursuits.
In conclusion, Fitzgerald uses color in "The Great Gatsby" to deepen our understanding of the characters and themes. Colors like green, white, gray, and yellow show the elusive nature of the American Dream, the danger of surface appearances, and the moral decay in society. Each color contributes to the story's message.