The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald depicts two fictional places, East and West Egg, as well as the people who are a part of each society. East Egg represents people in the novel who are born into wealth, also known as old money, whereas the West Egg represents those who have earned their wealth, new money. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel follows the story of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious man from West Egg who throws over the top parties and flaunts his wealth through his material possessions, all to earn the heart of a past lover. F. Scott Fitzgerald contrasts “old money” and “new money” through the character of Jay Gatsby, emphasizing the differences in material possessions, lifestyles, and personal values.
F. Scott Fitzgerald differentiates the materialistic possessions of those who live in East and West Egg to highlight the impact of wealth on each society. People from the East Egg who have inherited their wealth tend to show off with material items such as expensive cars, extensive wardrobes, and nice jewelry. On the other hand, people from the West Egg like to show their wealth by throwing
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People of East Egg, who are typically born into a great deal of money and privilege, have a strong connection with their social status and superiority. They usually treat those who have a lower social position than them with disrespect. In comparison, people of West Egg who have gained their wealth through hard work, are more self disciplined and well mannered than those of the East Egg, despite their tendencies to flaunt their possessions. These residents with strong personal values are willing to take risks and exceed their limits for self growth, unlike those of East Egg. Those who come from old money tend to only adhere and set their focus on values of the past. Ultimately, the distinction between old and new money is reflected through the two societies’ different personal