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The Color Red In The Great Gatsby

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The Roaring Colors The timeless American classic, The Great Gatsby, written by literary genius F. Scott Fitzgerald is considered the most important work of literature in American history as it is masterfully crafted with themes and ideals that were way ahead of its time and set the tone for future authors. In the story, Fitzgerald uses colors to give meaning and depth to an already complex story. These colors are used to describe characters and give them intangible qualities and adds more variations in the settings of the story. One character in particular who is described vividly with colors is the man protagonist and rival of Gatsby Tom Buchanan. Tom is often associated with the color red as it reflects his personality being both violent …show more content…

This color is used to describe the American dream and the new money of West Egg, but also foreshadows death and sorrow. This can be seen in Gatsby’s car which Nick describes as, “a rich cream color, bright and there in it’s monstrous length with triumphant hat-boxes and supper-boxes and tool-boxes, and terraced with a labyrinth of wind-shields that mirrored a dozen suns.” (Fitzgerald 33) The car reflects Gatsby`s new money while Toms dull blue colored coupe represents the old money and boredom of East Egg. The death aspect of the color yellow can be seen when Nick Jordan and Tom are headed to town and they stop for gas. Tom says, “How do you like this one?"' inquired Tom. 'I bought it last week.' 'It's a nice yellow one,' said Wilson, as he strained at the handle." (Fitzgerald 123) This foreshows that something bad is coming as Tom lied and later on Daisy driving the same car runs over and kills Myrtle Toms mistress symbolizing the death of the American dream and the death of Gatsby and Daisy’s relationship. All together F. Scott Fitzgerald creates one of the most influential pieces of American literature ever which is defined by its ability to survive the test of time and remain relevant in today’s culture and society. He skillfully crafted this layered story with the ingenuous use of colors to give the story a sort of surreal feeling as it draws readers and critics alike to its engaging plot and characters.

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