Examples Of Chartreuse In The Great Gatsby

“Chartreuse” pale yellow green or an aromatic liqueur originated in France. Although Fitzgerald uses our understanding of “chartreuse” and stretches it not only to our mind but to our emotions as well. When Nick states, ‘‘Finally we came to Gatsby’s own apartment, a bedroom and a bath and an Adam study, where we sat down and drank a glass of some Chartreuse he took from a cupboard in the wall.” he makes a few things known (99). This sparks the idea Gatsby not only lives the lavish lifestyle but drinks it as well. It sets a mood throughout the scene without the reader realizing it. It sets a tone of weariness and sluggishness throughout this whole scene as well as making the reader associate their personal experiences and emotions with the thick half yellow half green color.

The french noun meaning “A yellow, pale-green, or white liqueur made by the carthusian monks.” (Webster's) Fitzgerald uses this in The Great Gatsby to portray the wealthy, business casual man which gatsby portrays. The adjective, “Pale, yellowish green.” this color effects the mood of the scene by portraying a yellowish green which makes the story dull, sluggish, and casual. (Webster’s) The word “Chartreuse” originated after La Grande Chartreuse, Carthusian monastery near Grenoble, where the liqueur is made.