What does the color white symbolize in “The Great Gatsby”? This question has intrigued readers for decades, as F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel is filled with rich symbolism that adds depth to the story. White, in particular, plays a significant role in the novel, representing various themes and emotions throughout the narrative.
White is often associated with purity and innocence, and this symbolism is evident in the novel’s opening scene. The eyes of the guests at Gatsby’s mansion are described as “white” when they look at him, highlighting his perceived innocence and idealism. Gatsby’s white suit, which he wears to his parties, also serves as a representation of his desire to blend in with the wealthy elite and achieve the American Dream. However, as the story progresses, the white suit becomes a symbol of Gatsby’s naivety and his inability to fully understand the corrupt world he has entered.
In contrast, white is also used to symbolize decay and moral corruption. The decay of the West Egg mansion, where Gatsby lives, is evident in its peeling paint and decaying architecture. The mansion’s white walls, once a symbol of opulence, now appear to be a facade covering the moral decay within. This symbolism is further emphasized when Gatsby’s car is driven off the road and crashes, leaving a trail of white tire marks on the road. The white tire marks represent the destruction and chaos that Gatsby’s pursuit of the American Dream has caused.
Moreover, white is used to symbolize the loss of innocence and the passage of time. The novel opens with Nick Carraway, Gatsby’s neighbor, reflecting on his own past and the innocence he has lost. As the story unfolds, the white dress that Daisy wears during the novel symbolizes her purity and innocence, but also her loss of innocence due to her affair with Gatsby and her subsequent marriage to Tom Buchanan. The white dress becomes a reminder of the past and the innocence that was once a part of Daisy’s life.
In conclusion, the color white in “The Great Gatsby” serves as a multifaceted symbol that represents innocence, purity, decay, moral corruption, and the passage of time. It is through the use of white that Fitzgerald is able to convey the complex themes and emotions that run throughout the novel, ultimately leaving readers with a deeper understanding of the American Dream and its consequences.
