Great Gatsby- American Dream
In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald uses repeated examples of color imagery to raise questions about views of the American Dream. Color imagery is employed throughout the novel, appearing in the Valley of Ashes, Gatsby's parties, and in the light on Daisy's dock. Fitzgerald uses this imagery to raise questions about the excessively lavish and wasteful view that the characters of the novel have in fulfilling the American Dream. Throughout the novel, color imagery is an integral method by which mood is portrayed. The Valley of Ashes, Gatsby's party, and the light on Daisy's dock are all depicted by vital color imagery which furthers their significance within the novel. In the Valley of Ashes, Nick describes the valley as "grey land and the spasms of bleak dust which drift endlessly over it"(27), with the focal point of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg's faded blue eyes and "yellow spectacles"(27). The entire description of the area involves a bleak, drab mood. It is in this setting that Myrtle Wilson lives with her husband above a nondescript auto garage. Myrtle constantly regrets her uneventful life with Wilson and looks to Tom for an exciting affair in the fast-paced world of the wealthy. Later in the novel, when Nick attends
As Nick sees the figure of Gatsby "outstretched towards the dark water"(25) staring at the "single green light"(26) on the dock across the bay, he is introduced to Gatsby's hope of getting Daisy. As Nick approaches the party, "the lights grow brighter. The water is dark and foreboding, symbolizing the menacing distance and obstacles that Gatsby must overcome to reach Daisy. However, in these simple, plain surroundings, Wilson is oblivious to the lavish life of the Eggers and is thus content in his situation. The bright light and yellow which abound at Gatsby's party reflect the carefree attitude of the guests and the congenial spirit of the party. An integral theme of this novel is the American Dream and the attainment of that Dream. During the party, Nick sees girls in "twin yellow dresses" who he mentions several more times throughout the course of the party. his first party at Gatsby's house, the vivid colors detail the drunken, festive mood of the guests at the party. Fitzgerald's comment on the American Dream is that money, fame, and societal class can have little bearing on true happiness and the American Dream. While Tom, Gatsby, and Daisy have many material possessions, they lack the contentedness that Wilson is able to live with at his auto garage in the Valley of Ashes. Finally, color imagery depicts the light at the end of Daisy's dock as a sign of hope for Gatsby. Nick perceives the Valley of Ashes as a drab, uneventful place, the same way he sees the lives of Wilson and Myrtle, who are "stuck" living in the valley. The upper class, famous, wealthy characters, those whose lives seem to define living the American Dream, are all unhappy with their lives. While the yellow represents the carefree nature of the party and its guests, it turns to symbolize the excessive wastefulness that Gatsby undertakes to attract Daisy.
Common topics in this essay:
Myrtle Wilson,
American Dream,
Gatsby Nick,
Eggers Daisy,
Ashes Gatsby's,
Wilson Myrtle,
TJ Eckleburg's,
Ashes Nick,
american dream,
Gatsby Daisy,
Dream Throughout,
color imagery,
valley ashes,
daisy's dock,
light daisy's,
party nick,
light daisy's dock,
gatsby's party,
imagery raise questions,
ashes gatsby's,
auto garage,
single green,
valley ashes gatsby's,
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