Whether it is with characters, plot structure, setting, or weather, contradictions are like a virus in The Great Gatsby weaving themselves into every facet of the novel. Oftentimes characters and their ideas oppose logic or what they previously say. Whether they are intentional or not, F. Scott Fitzgerald ingrains dualities in every element of the story, reflecting this trait common in our real lives. In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald layers the story with numerous contradictions through character, narrative, and setting which force a internal struggle in both the reader and the characters. The novel as a whole begins with the character Nick contradicting himself. In the beginning, he states that he is both ‘highly moral’ and ‘highly tolerant’ …show more content…
When observing the positioning of East Egg and West Egg, the ‘Valley of Ashes’ visually portrays an image of a dump covered in ashes from nearby factories and being repulsive to walk through. This image heavily contradicts the visual beauty from both East Egg and West Egg, which exudes wealth and abundance. This sharp duality illustrates the reality of society as a whole, as the wealthy are shown to be ignorant and uncaring of their surroundings other than their own. Another element can be found in the treatment between the West Egg and East Egg. The contradiction of ideas between ‘Old’ and ‘New’ money shows the belief that ‘New Money’ represents ignorance and a lack of education, while ‘Old Money’ represents strong connections and a strong education. This contradiction leads to the belief that the East Eggers are irresponsible and ignorant and haven’t earned their position yet to be a member of the social elite. This assumption and their own actions as a whole contradict much of what the West Egg represents, which is maturity and responsibility. The East Eggers with their elitist attitudes regard the West Eggers as lower class although they are both equally