The Great Gatsby - 7

"West Egg, especially, still figures in my more fantastic dreams." pg 178

A common motif of this novel is the role geography plays in society. East Egg represents "old money" or the aristocracy. West Egg represents those who are new to wealth and fortune. Those from East Egg feel that  they are superior to the newly rich because their wealth is more established. I think that the valley of ashes represents the moral decline of America. During the 1920's morality and class seemed to lack importance. The society became more provocative and wild. That was also represented by all of the lavish parties that were thrown.These geographical representations helped to express the enormous change happening to American society.