In F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel, "The Great Gatsby", the color red appears several times in the text, serving as a powerful symbol that conveys a range of emotions and themes. The color red is often associated with passion, desire, violence and even death. His presence in the novel adds depth and complexity to the characters and events, highlighting the darker aspects of their lives and the consequences of their actions. This essay will explore the symbolism of the color red in "The Great Gatsby" and analyze its implications on the characters and overall themes of the novel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay One of the main themes of "The Great Gatsby" is the pursuit of desire and the destructive consequences it can have. The color red is often used to symbolize desire and passion, which is evident in the character Jay Gatsby. Gatsby's desire for Daisy Buchanan is represented by the color red, which is associated with him throughout the novel. Fitzgerald describes Daisy as having “shiny lips, red lips” (Fitzgerald, 13), emphasizing her sensuality and allure. Gatsby's infatuation with Daisy pushes him to take extreme measures, ultimately leading to his downfall. The color red recalls the destructive power of desire and the tragic consequences it can have. Besides desire, the color red also symbolizes violence and aggression in “The Great Gatsby”. This is particularly evident in the character of Tom Buchanan, described as having “a cruel body” and “red hair” (Fitzgerald, 7). Tom is depicted as a physically imposing and aggressive figure, prone to outbursts of anger and violence. The color red is used to emphasize his aggressive nature and the destructive impact he has on those around him. Tom's violent actions and the consequences they have on the characters serve as a warning about the dangers of unchecked aggression and power. The color red is also associated with death and tragedy in "The Great Gatsby." This is illustrated by the character of Myrtle Wilson, killed in a car accident. Myrtle is described as wearing a “brown dress” with “a little red scarf” (Fitzgerald, 30) at the time of her death. The color red symbolizes her tragic destiny and recalls the consequences of her affair with Tom Buchanan. The color red is also present in the description of Gatsby's bloody shirt after his death, further emphasizing the theme of tragedy and the destructive nature of desire. In conclusion, the color red has important symbolism in “The Great Gatsby”, representing desire and violence. , and death. Through its use, F. Scott Fitzgerald adds depth and complexity to the characters and themes of the novel. The color red serves as a warning about the destructive power of desire, the consequences of uncontrolled aggression, and the tragic consequences that can result from pursuing one's desires without regard for the consequences. By exploring the symbolism of the color red, readers gain a deeper understanding of the novel's characters and themes, ultimately reflecting on the broader implications of their own desires and actions. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a custom article now from our expert writers. Get a custom essayFitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 1925.