The Great Gatsby Symbolism Essay Example

White represents a facade adopted by various characters like Daisy who consistently dresses in white to maintain an innocent and naive appearance. However, this guise serves as an excuse for her ridiculous and childish behavior while pretending ignorance when she actually knows better.Daisy employs her princess-like image and wealth to conceal her biased, snobbish, and conceited perception of herself and her lifestyle. According to Fitzgerald's description, Tom and Daisy are reckless individuals who destroy without facing consequences, relying on their money or indifference that binds them together. Jordan Baker, another character, also adopts a facade symbolized by the color white. She frequently dresses in white and carries herself with an air of superiority over those around her, evident in her posture, attitude, and remarks. "She reclined completely on her end of the divan while keeping her chin slightly elevated as if balancing something that could easily fall off. If she noticed my presence at all, she gave no indication - I almost felt compelled to apologize for interrupting her (Pg.13)." Her demeanor reflects boredom and apathy towards everything as a deliberate part of maintaining her superior facade. In reality though, she desires the same level of respect and acceptance as Gatsby. Instead of taking responsibility for her actions, she hides behind her image suggesting that she is incapable of any wrongdoing - much like Daisy does. However,"she possessed an inherent dishonesty.She couldn't stand being at a disadvantage so because of this aversion it appears she resorted to deception from an early age to maintain a confident appearance while also fulfilling the desires of her energetic self-assured body."(Pg.63). Though not immediately noticeable, color symbolism has a

crucial role in conveying hidden messages throughout the story. The colors within the text offer insight into the characters' decisions and possible directions, adding layers to the narrative. Green signifies different options open to Gatsby, acting as a cautionary element, a source of motivation, or an inspiration for success. On the other hand, white represents a disguise or front that allows characters to portray themselves as someone else and conceal their real identities. This provides a glimpse of reality since everyone wears metaphorical white masks to hide their true selves. These subtle hints captivate readers and foster a sense of connection with the characters.