East Vs. West Egg In The Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald

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Picklesimer 1 East vs. West, Old vs. New In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s literary classic, The Great Gatsby, symbolism is of the utmost importance to understanding the meaning of the story. The symbol of the East Egg and West Egg neighborhoods of New York are of particular importance to the story. These two opposing neighborhoods represent the polar opposites of society in New York between those of inherited money (Old Money) and self-made fortunes (New Money). These two eggs represent the conflict between Old Money and New Money, East and West, Snobby and Wild. The differences between the two caused a very pluralistic and divided New York, but it also deeply affected the story of the book. In the beginning, Nick says, “I lived at the West Egg, well the less fashionable of the two, though this is the superficial tag to express the bizarre and not a little sinister contrast between them” (Fitzgerald 5). This clearly shows the conflict that is occurring here. This shows that the West Egg is the residence of the New Money folk and that it was a polar opposite to the East Egg of the Old Money. It also shows Nick’s preference for the Old Money, as he sees the different style of the New Money …show more content…

This shows that though it was a West Egg party, Nick believed it had the quality of an East Egg party, which he believes to be a homogenous and serene party, not a wild, drunken party. It also says that the party was a happy and energetic party, but was careful not to get out of hand. This Is another sign that though Nick enjoys the party, he prefers those of the Old Money, which are energetic, but are calm and pristine, with regard for class, while New Money parties have little and are usually drunken and