Silver is commonly used to symbolize elegance and beauty. One instance is when Nick first sees Gatsby looking out and “regarding the silver pepper of the stars,” (Fitzgerald 24) admiring their beauty. This adds not only to the setting, but to Gatsby’s character as a whole. It allows the reader to see that he is a man who appreciates beauty and cherishes it when he gets the chance. In other words, he is not one to take a memorable experience for granted. The color silver has prestige, just as Gatsby longs for, and when thoughtfully scanning the stars, he finds himself thinking of what could be. Silver also illustrates elegance in Daisy’s belongings, her “silver slippers shuffled the shining dust,” (Fitzgerald 161) further identifying her reputation.
