What Does The Color Blue Symbolize in The Great Gatsby

The color blue holds significant symbolism throughout F. Scott Fitzgerald's masterpiece, The Great Gatsby. In this essay, we will explore the various meanings and implications associated with the color blue in the novel. Through a careful analysis of the text, we will uncover how blue represents both the illusion of the American Dream and the elusive nature of true happiness. By examining key instances where the color blue is mentioned, we will gain a deeper understanding of the novel's themes and motifs. Ultimately, it becomes clear that the color blue symbolizes the characters' desires, struggles, and the unattainable nature of their dreams.

The Illusion of the American Dream

One of the central themes in The Great Gatsby is the pursuit of the American Dream, which promises wealth, success, and happiness. However, Fitzgerald uses the color blue to imply that this dream is merely an illusion. The character of Jay Gatsby, who is driven by his desire to attain wealth and win the love of Daisy Buchanan, is often associated with the color blue. For example, Gatsby's mansion is described as having a "blue lawn" (Fitzgerald 9). This image conveys a sense of artificiality and superficiality, suggesting that Gatsby's wealth and extravagant lifestyle are merely a facade.

Furthermore, Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy is also associated with the color blue. When Gatsby first sees Daisy after many years, he is described as having "blue shirts" (Fitzgerald 89). This detail emphasizes Gatsby's longing for a past that is unattainable, as well as his desire to recreate a love that has long since faded. The color blue, in this context, symbolizes Gatsby's unfulfilled dreams and the emptiness of his pursuit of the American Dream.

The Elusive Nature of True Happiness

In addition to representing the illusion of the American Dream, the color blue in The Great Gatsby also symbolizes the characters' search for happiness. Despite their seemingly luxurious lifestyles, the characters in the novel are ultimately unfulfilled and unhappy. This is particularly evident in the character of Daisy, who is described as having "sad eyes" that are "the same color as the blue lawn" (Fitzgerald 9). The color blue, in this case, represents Daisy's unhappiness and her inability to find true fulfillment in her life.

Similarly, the character of Myrtle Wilson, who is having an affair with Tom Buchanan, is associated with the color blue. When Myrtle is killed in a tragic accident, Fitzgerald describes her body as being "blue" (Fitzgerald 143). This image highlights the tragic consequences of pursuing happiness in the wrong places and suggests that true happiness is unattainable for characters like Myrtle.

Overall, the color blue in The Great Gatsby symbolizes the characters' desires and struggles, as well as the unattainable nature of their dreams. Whether it represents the illusion of the American Dream or the elusive nature of true happiness, blue serves as a powerful symbol throughout the novel. Fitzgerald's use of this color adds depth and complexity to the themes and motifs explored in the text, and draws attention to the characters' futile attempts to find meaning in their lives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the color blue in The Great Gatsby holds significant symbolism, representing both the illusion of the American Dream and the elusive nature of true happiness. Through the use of this color, Fitzgerald conveys the characters' desires, struggles, and the unattainable nature of their dreams. Whether it is Gatsby's pursuit of wealth and love, Daisy's unhappiness, or Myrtle's tragic fate, the color blue serves as a powerful symbol throughout the novel. By analyzing key instances where blue is mentioned, we gain a deeper understanding of the themes and motifs in The Great Gatsby, and recognize the characters' futile attempts to find meaning and fulfillment in their lives.

Through Fitzgerald's masterful use of symbolism and imagery, we are reminded of the complexity of human desires and the inherent flaws in the pursuit of happiness. The color blue, with its associations of artificiality, unfulfilled dreams, and tragic consequences, serves as a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of our aspirations. As readers, we are encouraged to question the validity of our own dreams and examine the true sources of happiness in our lives. Perhaps, in doing so, we can avoid the same pitfalls as the characters in The Great Gatsby and find a deeper, more genuine form of fulfillment.

Bibliography

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