What Does The White Symbolize In The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby had very many uses of symbols throughout the book. The most noticeable use of symbols was the use of color. In many instances in the book the author relates something in a scene to a color. What we have been able to prove, is that different colors have different meanings.

To begin with an example, a common color throughout the book is white. In The Great Gatsby the color white symbolizes false purity. Many times when someone is cheating or unfaithful they will wear white. “They were both in white, and their dresses were rippling and fluttering as if they had just been blown back in after a short flight around the house” (p8). This scene at the beginning of the book foreshadows how the women are unfaithful. Although, it wasn’t uncommon for men to have multiple girlfriends because all the women were so arresting. White can also symbolize more than just cheating, or unfaithfulness. It can also symbolize how sometime society can be corrupt solely because of wealth. When Gatsby is pulled over for speeding through the city, he simply pulls out a white card with his name on it, and flashes it at the police officer. The officer apologises and lets them go on their way. “‘All right, old sport,’ called Gatsby. We slowed down. Taking a white card from his wallet, he waved it before the man’s

“His gorgeous pink rag of a suit made a bright spot of color against the white steps, and I thought of the night when I first came to his ancestral home, three months before” (p154). When the go out to town, that is when everything that has been kept a secret about Gatsby and Daisy comes out. In the movie Gatsby, is quite sardonic, acts rather childish during the confrontation with Tom, who stays supercilious through the entire scene, and pink symbolizes child like characteristics. In the book he is much quieter and essentially accepts his