* Purity and Innocence: This is perhaps the most common association. White often represents virginity, virtue, and a lack of experience or corruption. Think of a white wedding dress, or a character described as having a "pure white soul."
* Goodness and Light: White is often contrasted with black, representing darkness and evil. Thus, white can symbolize divine light, angelic qualities, and spiritual purity.
* Sterility and Emptiness: In contrast to the positive connotations, white can also symbolize a lack of life, emotion, or vibrancy. A stark white room might feel cold, sterile, and even oppressive. It can represent a void or emptiness.
* Surrender and Death: In some contexts, particularly when related to clothing (e.g., a white shroud), white can symbolize death, surrender, or a lack of will.
* Blankness and Uncertainty: A blank white page can represent the potential for creation but also the uncertainty of what will be written. This can extend to the unknown future or a lack of clear direction.
* Artificiality and Deception: In certain instances, white might represent a false purity or a cover-up. A character might be dressed in white to appear innocent while hiding a dark secret.
Ultimately, the meaning of white in a literary work depends on how the author uses it within the specific narrative. Consider the surrounding imagery, the characters' actions, and the overall tone of the text to determine the intended symbolism.