Money rules the lives of the people in the story. Gatsby needs money to live the life that he does. Gatsby also feels he needs the money to get back together with Daisy. Gatsby has a large green lawn and green ivy going up his house. Inside Gatsby's car, the passengers sit "in a sort of green leather conservatory." Later, Mr. Michaelis describes this "death car" as "light green." All of these things represent the riches, as well as the importance of money in Gatsby's life. .
The color green can both symbolize envy and money; however, the most reasonable meaning would have to be one of future hope, especially in Gatsby's case. The initial appearance of the green light occurs when Nick sees Gatsby for the first time, standing in front of his mansion and stretching out his arms to ".a single green light, minute and far away that might have been the end of dock." The light becomes, for Gatsby, the symbol of a reunion with Daisy.
This is a wonderful and appropriate symbol of Gatsby's life. Gatsby is living alone in a world of "darkness," trying to seize one small thing to bring him happiness. His life has had many shortcomings and many troubles through his younger years. He finally receives some breaks and is able make a name for himself. The longing in his heart is to have Daisy, but more importantly to have a new hope in his life. He has always kept the idea in his heart that he could be reunited with Daisy. Gatsby is striving to find a better world in the green light. Gatsby gets unbearably close to his dream, yet in all of his efforts, he comes up short in grasping the better life that he wanted. He hopes for the "green breast of the new world," the people's idea that tomorrow will bring a better day. This idea seems justifiable, yet it is far away from coming true.
Daisy's character is enhanced by Fitzgerald's use of the color white to indicate Daisy's freshness and innocence. He notes the "gleaming white house", the "airy, white rooms," and Daisy lounging in a white dress.
