The Symbolism of West Egg and East in The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a classic novel that explores themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. Set in the 1920s, the novel takes place in two fictional towns: West Egg and East Egg. These two locations, although seemingly similar, hold significant symbolic meaning in the story. In this essay, we will analyze the symbolism of West Egg and East Egg in The Great Gatsby, and discuss what these locations represent in the context of the novel.

West Egg: The Nouveau Riche

West Egg, a fictional town located on Long Island, represents the home of the newly rich. The residents of West Egg have acquired their wealth recently, often through illegal or questionable means. This is evident from the opulent mansions and extravagant parties that take place in this town. As Nick Carraway, the narrator, describes it, "The one on my right was a colossal affair by any standard... Above the gray land and the spasms of bleak dust which drift endlessly over it, you perceive, after a moment, the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg" (Fitzgerald 23). The magnificence of the mansions in West Egg symbolizes the wealth and materialism of the newly rich.

Furthermore, the parties held by the residents of West Egg are grandiose and excessive, with guests indulging in endless amounts of food, alcohol, and entertainment. These parties serve as a symbol of the superficiality and shallowness of the West Egg society. Fitzgerald writes, "In his blue gardens men and girls came and went like moths among the whisperings and the champagne and the stars" (39). The constant partying and frivolity indicate the emptiness and lack of substance in the lives of the West Egg residents.

Additionally, West Egg is also home to Jay Gatsby, the protagonist of the novel. Gatsby, a self-made millionaire, represents the epitome of the American Dream. He has amassed great wealth and success, yet remains unsatisfied and yearning for something more. Gatsby's mansion, located in West Egg, is described as "a factual imitation of some Hotel de Ville in Normandy, with a tower on one side, spanking new under a thin beard of raw ivy, and a marble swimming pool, and more than forty acres of lawn and garden" (5). Gatsby's mansion, although grand, lacks the sophistication and elegance of the mansions in East Egg, symbolizing his inability to fully assimilate into the upper class.

East Egg: The Old Money Aristocracy

East Egg, on the other hand, represents the home of the old money aristocracy. The residents of East Egg, unlike those in West Egg, have inherited their wealth and social status from previous generations. They are the established elite, who look down upon the newly rich of West Egg. The mansions in East Egg are described as "gleaming white against the grass" (7). They exude an air of elegance and refinement, reflecting the pedigree and social standing of their owners.

The characters that inhabit East Egg, such as Daisy Buchanan and Tom Buchanan, embody the corruption and decay that lies beneath the surface of their seemingly perfect lives. Daisy, Tom's wife, is described as "a lovely little fool" (17), indicating her superficiality and lack of depth. Tom, on the other hand, is portrayed as a wealthy and arrogant man who uses his privilege to exploit others. Through these characters, Fitzgerald critiques the emptiness and moral decay of the old money aristocracy.

Furthermore, East Egg represents a world of inherited privilege and social conformity. The residents of East Egg are expected to adhere to strict social norms and maintain their status at all costs. This is evident in the character of Daisy, who is trapped in a loveless marriage but is unable to break free due to societal expectations. Fitzgerald writes, "They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made" (179). This quote highlights the indifference and lack of accountability that characterizes the East Egg society.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the symbolism of West Egg and East Egg in The Great Gatsby plays a crucial role in conveying the themes of wealth, social class, and the American Dream. West Egg represents the nouveau riche, who have recently acquired their wealth through questionable means. The opulent mansions and extravagant parties in West Egg symbolize the superficiality and shallowness of this society. On the other hand, East Egg represents the old money aristocracy, who have inherited their wealth and social status. The elegant mansions and strict social norms of East Egg reflect the privilege and conformity of this society. Through these contrasting locations, Fitzgerald explores the corruption and moral decay that lies beneath the surface of the American Dream.

Overall, The Great Gatsby serves as a critique of the materialistic and superficial values of the Jazz Age. It reminds us that true happiness and fulfillment cannot be found in wealth and social status, but rather in meaningful relationships and a sense of purpose. The symbolism of West Egg and East Egg in the novel serves as a powerful reminder of the dangers of pursuing empty dreams and the importance of staying true to oneself.

Bibliography

Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 2004.