Literary Topic

Yellow as a symbol in The Great Gatsby

       It is obvious that yellow stands out as a symbol of corruption and disorder, serving as an obstacle to the American Dream. Perhaps the most obvious symbol is Gatsby's car, which is originally described as being cream. The car becomes the main topic of conversation among the townspeople after it strikes Myrtle in an accident. "The 'death car,' as the newspapers called it, didn't stop; it came out of the gathering darkness, wavered tragically for a moment and then disappeared around the next bend" (144).



       The car is the cause of Myrtle's death and is thereafter looked upon as an evil tool. After the incident, the car is described as yellow rather than cream. It is strongly characterized by its change in color, which is meant to symbolize destruction.



Page last updated on April 28, 1999. Curator: Melissa Tran