What Does The Color Red Symbolize in The Great Gatsby

In F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, "The Great Gatsby," the color red appears several times throughout the text, serving as a powerful symbol that conveys a range of emotions and themes. The color red is often associated with passion, desire, violence, and even death. Its presence in the novel adds depth and complexity to the characters and events, highlighting the darker aspects of their lives and the consequences of their actions. This essay will explore the symbolism of the color red in "The Great Gatsby" and analyze its implications on the characters and the overall themes of the novel.

One of the main themes in "The Great Gatsby" is the pursuit of desire and the destructive consequences it can have. The color red is often used to symbolize desire and passion, which is evident in the character of Jay Gatsby. Gatsby's desire for Daisy Buchanan is represented by the color red, which is associated with her throughout the novel. Fitzgerald describes Daisy as having "bright lips, red lips" (Fitzgerald, 13), emphasizing her sensuality and allure. Gatsby's infatuation with Daisy drives him to extreme measures, ultimately leading to his downfall. The color red serves as a reminder of the destructive power of desire and the tragic consequences it can have.

In addition to desire, the color red also symbolizes violence and aggression in "The Great Gatsby." This is most evident in the character of Tom Buchanan, who is described as having "a cruel body" and "red hair" (Fitzgerald, 7). Tom is portrayed as a physically imposing and aggressive figure, prone to outbursts of anger and violence. The color red is used to highlight his aggressive nature and the destructive impact he has on those around him. Tom's violent actions and the consequences they have on the characters serve as a warning about the dangers of unchecked aggression and power.

The color red is also associated with death and tragedy in "The Great Gatsby." This is exemplified by the character of Myrtle Wilson, who is killed in a car accident. Myrtle is described as wearing a "brown dress" with "a small red scarf" (Fitzgerald, 30) at the time of her death. The color red symbolizes her tragic fate and serves as a reminder of the consequences of her affair with Tom Buchanan. The color red is also present in the description of Gatsby's bloodied shirt after his death, further emphasizing the theme of tragedy and the destructive nature of desire.

In conclusion, the color red holds significant symbolism in "The Great Gatsby," representing desire, violence, and death. Through its use, F. Scott Fitzgerald adds depth and complexity to the characters and themes of the novel. The color red serves as a warning about the destructive power of desire, the consequences of unchecked aggression, and the tragic outcomes that can result from pursuing one's desires without regard for the consequences. By exploring the symbolism of the color red, readers gain a deeper understanding of the characters and the themes of the novel, ultimately reflecting on the broader implications of their own desires and actions.

Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 1925.