Such colors as gold, white, and red are colors that represent wealth, innocence, and power. These colors act as a mask for Daisy and Tom to hide behind. These bright and luxurious colors represent optimism because from a distance Daisy and Tom’s relationship may seem like a content and hopeful couple but the harsh reality of the situation is that they are unhappy and nearly broken. Daisy and Tom conceal themselves behind these colors because they want everybody around them to think that they are happy even though they are living in the harsh reality of broken marriages. Another way that Fitzgerald uses colors to enhance the theme of optimism versus harsh reality is through Gatsby himself. Gatsby is thought to have “an extraordinary gift of hope” according to Nick. He is optimistic. In chapter 5 of the novel, Gatsby is slinging shirts of all colors to Daisy when