Color Symbolism in "The Great Gatsby"

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews the novel "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
It discusses how although the color white is commonly associated with purity and innocence. In "The Great Gatsby", Fitzgerald conversely gives the color white a darker connotation by associating it with morally corrupt characters like Daisy and Jordan. It looks at how to some characters in the novel, especially the West Eggers, objects or people connected with the color white still represent moral perfection and social superiority. It shows how the color white, in reality, is only an outward representation of beauty, wealth and perfection, void of any intrinsic goodness, although some characters may believe it has deeper value.

From the Paper:

"Jordan and Daisy, who throughout the novel are often wearing white dresses, seem to be as righteous as they are beautiful when Nick, our narrator, first sees them. Jordan and Daisy are the objects of Nick and Gatsby's desire, respectively, but in the end, class differences and moral standards prove stronger. As the novel progresses, Nick's opinions of both women deteriorate as he uncovers their immorality and irresponsibility which leads to the failure of Nick and Jordan's relationship. Gatsby also fails in winning Daisy's affection, even though he has seemingly risen in social standing and has accumulated enough wealth to support both of them. Daisy and Jordan are both careless and insensitive people, unlike the thoughtful Nick and romantic Gatsby."

More papers on Color Symbolism in "The Great Gatsby":

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• Analytical Essay # 27443 : "Symbolism in "The Great Gatsby"
• Analytical Essay # 40007 : "The Great Gatsby"

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