Shade, Hue, and Tone

What remains of the 1920s can be observed today through the black-and-white cinematography of that era. It seems ironic that many of the records of lifestyle in the 1920s are monochrome, when color is such an important motif in The Great Gatsby. 

The same color of the dollar bills that many residents' of the 1920s lives revolved around so much, Gatsby is basked in a "green light" which serve to enhance his mysterious yet prolific aura.However, green is also a symbol of nature. It represents the rebirth and growth that plants go through every year, just like how Gatsby's new wealth allows him to develop as a person.  On the other hand, there is the color that represents the old wealth. The gold that has been a symbol of opulence and richness since the ancient times. Daisy, being of old wealth, is described as a "golden girl". This is contrasted with the yellow that also appears in The Great Gatsby. Although it appears as bright as gold, the dull sheen serves only as an imitation of the extravagance that comes with gold. Just like the yellow car of Gatsby that struck Myrtle and "ripped her open," the yellow- the faux luxury of the new wealthy, is tearing Tom's life apart, as Gatsby's new found riches are what allowed him to reacquaint himself with Daisy.  Fitzgerald uses the motif of color to develop his characters more thoroughly, and it's amazing how simple shades allow for so much perception of depth.