Why Is West Egg Important In The Great Gatsby

Every individual is unique in their own way. Each person has their own hopes and dreams. Likewise, everyone also makes mistakes, some that are more severe than others. The Great Gatsby, written by Fitzgerald, features a great amount of symbolism of the 1920s in the different locations, the hopes and dreams of the characters, and their downfall. Getting caught up in the moment, it is hard to see how today’s actions can affect the future. Resting on opposite ends of the bay are West and East Egg. Each represented a different kind of wealth. The people of the two locations rarely had interactions with one another. They did not share much in common except the valley between them. Nick expressed his feelings at the beginning of the book “I felt

Located in the East was Daisy and Tom Buchanan. They were the representation of old and inherited money. Their wealth was secure, but they themselves did not earn it first hand. Throughout the novel, Tom expresses his wealthy background by bringing up references to classic literature texts that those from the West do not recognize. During mixed social gatherings, conversations tended to turn into arguments as each class did as they pleased. Fitzgerald was tired of the divides that social classes created. He wanted uniformity to happen. Too many people were caught up in what the world could buy. After the end of the war, Americans were left with excess wealth, letting them spend it carelessly as they chose. This did not apply to all, as there was still a struggling working class. Located between the two Eggs, Fitzgerald describes the Valley of Ashes. It represents the working class of Americans as well as a place of moral decay and corruption. The Valley is interesting to travel by both groups of people. Neither group is wholesome or blameless for their actions. Gatsby’s fate began in the Valley when Daisy ran over

Gatsby spent five years of his life making himself successful in hopes of winning Daisy. He was willing to do whatever it took, sacrificing his old identity. He moved from his family and got himself involved in bootlegging. He moved into a mansion in West Egg. It was the perfect location because just across the bay, Daisy’s home. For years he went out on his dock to look across the bay. “He stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way.” The green light represents Gatsby’s dream in his mind. It was the closest thing he could see that was near Daisy. He had the hope of marrying her someday and moving to Louisville. He made his way up to the top of the ladder in hopes of impressing her. The countless parties he held were all meant to attract her. When he finally met her, the significance of the light had faded, for he was nearer to her than she had been in the past five years. Fitzgerald explains that later on, Gatsby became displeased with the time that had passed. He missed her as she was five years ago. For now, she is married and has a child of her