The Symbolism of White and Green in The Great Gatsby

Throughout F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby, the colors white and green are used to symbolize various aspects of the characters and themes within the story. These colors are strategically employed to convey deeper meanings and create a sense of contrast and symbolism. In this essay, we will explore the symbolism of white and green in The Great Gatsby, focusing on what white represents in the novel. This analysis will demonstrate how Fitzgerald uses color symbolism to enhance his narrative and highlight important themes.

White as a Symbol of Purity and Innocence

One of the key representations of white in The Great Gatsby is its association with purity and innocence. This is evident in the character of Daisy Buchanan, who is often described as ethereal and delicate, with her "white girlhood" (Fitzgerald 76) and her "white palace" (Fitzgerald 8). The color white is used to emphasize Daisy's innocence and to highlight the stark contrast between her and the morally corrupt world that surrounds her.

Furthermore, Gatsby's obsession with Daisy is linked to his desire to attain this purity and innocence that he believes she embodies. Gatsby's house, for instance, is described as "a colossal affair by any standard" (Fitzgerald 9), but it is surrounded by "a thin beard of raw ivy" (Fitzgerald 5), creating a stark contrast between the opulence of his world and the purity he seeks in Daisy.

White is also used to symbolize the illusion of purity. The characters in The Great Gatsby often present themselves as pure and innocent, but their actions and motivations reveal a darker reality. For example, Daisy, despite her pristine exterior, is willing to abandon her marriage and her child for the excitement of a forbidden love affair. The color white, in this context, represents the façade of purity that masks the characters' true intentions and moral corruption.

The Symbolism of White in the Valley of Ashes

Another significant use of white in The Great Gatsby is in the description of the Valley of Ashes. This desolate and decaying wasteland is contrasted with the affluent world of the East Egg and West Egg, where the characters live extravagant lives. The Valley of Ashes is described as a "fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat" (Fitzgerald 23), and it is here that the billboard of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, with its "gigantic eyes" (Fitzgerald 23), looms over the landscape.

The color white is used to symbolize the emptiness and decay of the American Dream in the Valley of Ashes. The ashes themselves, which cover everything in a grey and powdery substance, represent the moral and social decay that lies beneath the surface of the glamorous world of the rich. The white billboard of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, with its unblinking eyes, serves as a constant reminder of the moral corruption and spiritual emptiness that accompany the pursuit of wealth and status.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the colors white and green in The Great Gatsby serve as powerful symbols that enhance the narrative and highlight important themes. White represents purity and innocence, as well as the illusion of purity, while also symbolizing the emptiness and decay of the American Dream. Through the careful use of color symbolism, F. Scott Fitzgerald creates a rich and layered story that explores the complexities of human nature and the consequences of the pursuit of wealth and status.

By examining the symbolism of white in The Great Gatsby, we gain a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations, as well as the larger themes of the novel. The use of color symbolism adds depth and complexity to the story, inviting readers to consider the moral and social implications of the characters' actions and the world they inhabit.

Overall, Fitzgerald's masterful use of color symbolism contributes to the enduring appeal and significance of The Great Gatsby as a literary work. The colors white and green, along with others, serve as a visual language through which the characters and themes of the novel are brought to life, enriching the reader's experience and provoking thoughtful reflection.

Bibliography

Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 2004.