Author and editor jay Dixon discussed the ways in which colour can be used in a novel to help create a picture in the reader’s mind.  Colour can give a sense of mood or add “local colour” in description to enhance a geographical or historical setting.

Colour can also be symbolic and jay cautioned that when using colour as cultural symbolism the author should make sure the reader is aware of what is intended. Symbolism varies through different ages and cultures and it is important that the author is clear just what he/she intends to portray.

jay used examples to show how colour can enhance a geographical description, i.e. Greece, blue and white (blue sky, white buildings) and of course grey for the more usual colour of the UK skies! She also pointed out that it can denote regional differences within one country, for example the South Downs have white chalk paths while Yorkshire has grey stone. As an aid to historical settings, jay reminded us that Georgian London would have had white stone buildings, while in more recent times the stonework has been grey from soot and smoke

A colour palette can be established early in the novel. By using colour in two or three sentences of description, it is possible to set up a “shorthand” so that the use of a specific colour later will bring to the reader’s mind the full description.

Colour can be used to denote character traits or personality - bold colours for bold characters, softer colours for gentle people.  jay gave several examples of this, including the use of the colour yellow by Dorothy L Sayers. She describes Lord Peter’s library as being black and primrose – a very stylish combination at the time the novel was written. Not only this, jay pointed out that in medieval times yellow was the symbol of justice and compassion – appropriate for Lord Peter Wimsey (jay’s research has also shown that in the period following the First World War, yellow was a colour recommended for hospital wards housing patients with shell-shock, a condition that Lord Peter suffered from).

Quoting from Heyer and others, jay showed how colour established a period in history, e.g. red heels for the eighteenth century (These Old Shades). She went on to caution that colour can be specific to certain periods in time, e.g. the colour mauve was not created until the 1860’s, purple and scarlet were only worn by royalty in some countries at certain times, white weddings were not usual in England before Victorian times, etc. etc.

Lack of light in previous centuries made colour precious, also the availability of dyes was restricted – vivid colour was something of a luxury.

By using a colour wheel an author can decide which colours work together and which colours clash.

Colour symbolism adds depth to a novel – e.g. a red dress for seduction. However, much of our use of colour comes from Christianity and the images may not work for other countries. Also, symbolism changes – jay explained that until the early twentieth century, pink was used as a colour for baby boys because it was closer to red (virility).

With the use of the colour wheel and many examples, jay showed us just how much the judicious use of colour can add to a novel.

Written by Melinda Hammond