Analyzing the Characters in "The Great Gatsby"

While there are many elements that make up a literary work, perhaps one of the most important elements is symbolism. More than any other literary element, it is symbolism that allows a work, whatever form it may take, to transcend traditional meanings and values, and bridge connections to greater meanings and values. Also important when discussing symbolism is the wide variety, which symbols can take in a literary work. From allusions of the mythological and religious, to the simple passing of the seasons, symbols in a literary work can take a wide variety of forms. However, perhaps some of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, symbols which can be found in a literary work are the colors of the world around us. Within F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby, one can find a surprisingly large number of colors that act as major symbols for the novel. In fact, nearly every major character in the novel has some color that they are associated with. However, perhaps the most powerful association can be found with the focus of the novel, Jay Gatsby himself, and the color green.

The color green is a major tool in attempting to further understand the nature and ways of Gatsby's character. While Gatsby definitely appears to be a mysterious and enigmatic character, when he is compared to the color green, much light can be shed upon his actions. From the very beginning of the novel, when the reader sees Gatsby gazing across the water at a green light, the color, as well as its many meanings, seem to stick with him. From that very first association, it becomes very easy to make the connections between Gatsby and his color. Green traditionally represents hope, wealth, new life and vitality, all of which seem to apply to Gatsby in some way. In terms of understanding Gatsby's character, the ideas of hope and new life apply greatly. For instance, when Gatsby stares from the shore to the green light across the water, the reader can sense the hope and determination, which lies within him. In fact, it can be though that Gatsby represents the very last of the society that chose to believe and follow the American Dream.