The symbolism of green and white in The Great Gatsby

Colours are used in a symbolic way throughout the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott. Fitzgerald and green and white are the most predominately used colours in this way.

The green light is used within the text used to symbolize Gatsby’s hope for gaining money, success and acceptance, as well as hope that he will have a chance of getting back together with his long time love Daisy Buchanan.

Money is also symbolized in the green light because it is the colour of the American dollar bill, something Gatsby values greatly and wants more of. Gatsby is also searching for success and acceptance within the higher class of the 1920’s and money will help him in these aspirations.

The colour green itself represents serenity, and is often used to represent that everything is calm and perfect, a sign that Gatsby should not strive to get Daisy back because his chance has been and gone

Contradictory to the last representation of the green light, it could also symbolize the word or action ‘go’ as many people recognize the colour green with the green light within a traffic light. So this representation is possibly giving Gatsby that it is a good idea to go ahead with trying to gain status in society and rekindle his love with Daisy without hesitation.

Even though white is seen as the colour of innocence it is not as innocent as it seems, it also represents corruption as shown on page 67 “’Taking a white card from his wallet, he waved it before the man’s eyes.’ ‘Right you are’, agreed the policeman, tipping his cap. ‘Know you next time, Mr. Gatsby. Excuse me’” within these lines the responder gains an idea of corruption or bribery between Gatsby and the policeman which becomes clear when Gatsby says “I was able to do the commissioner a favor once, and he sends me a Christmas card every year.” To Nick.

The use of colour symbolism is a technique used by the co

Some topics in this essay:
Buchanan Money, Egg Daisy, Empires Goddard”, Nick Carraway, Nick White, Blackwell’s Island, Gatsby Excuse, Scott Fitzgerald, , green light, Daisy Nick, shown page, colour green, throughout novel, success acceptance, white race, page 67, love daisy, shown page 67,