Gatsby's Homes: West Egg vs East Egg

What is indicated by West representing lower class in relation to East Egg?

What does the description of Gatsby's house suggest about his character?

What does 'raw ivy' symbolize in relation to Gatsby?

How does Gatsby’s home compare to the homes in East Egg?

What connotation does the word 'white' carry regarding the East Egg homes?

What does the cheerful red-and-white Georgian Colonial mansion represent?

What does the description of the lawn suggest about Gatsby's lifestyle?

What does the intricate description of the Buchanan's home imply?

What metaphor is used to describe the Buchanan's home?

What does the condition of the candles on the porch symbolize?

What illustrates the Buchanan's focus on appearances?

What does Gatsby reaching for the green light signify?

What does the 'green light' symbolize in Gatsby's story?

What does the color 'green' represent in relation to Gatsby?

West Egg vs East Egg

West Egg represents the lower social class, contrasting with the elite East Egg.
East Egg residents are depicted as fashionable and morally superior through descriptions of their opulent homes.

Gatsby's Mansion

Gatsby's house is described as excessive and a poor imitation of other styles, lacking originality.
The presence of "raw ivy" symbolizes Gatsby's connections to his past and his lack of true roots in high society.

Home Aesthetics

Gatsby's home stands out as an "eyesore," indicating its ostentatious nature compared to East Egg's elegant structures.
East Egg is characterized by "white palaces," which suggest innocence and moral superiority among its inhabitants.
The description of the Buchanan's home reflects wealth and taste, with intricately decorated spaces, such as the "frosted wedding-cake of the ceiling."

Themes of Appearance vs Reality

The candlelight on the Buchanan's porch, seen as unnecessary during daylight, emphasizes their preoccupation with maintaining appearances and hiding reality.
Actions like relighting the candles signify the Buchanans' focus on facade over genuine substance, revealing their superficiality.

Gatsby's Aspirations

Gatsby reaches towards a distant "green light," representing his unattainable dreams and desires.
His trembling while reaching for the green light suggests fear and vulnerability in pursuing those dreams.

Symbolism of the Green Light

The green light symbolizes Gatsby's American Dream and his longing for Daisy Buchanan.
The color green also conveys themes of greed, envy, and jealousy towards the wealth of East Egg residents.

This quiz explores the contrasting representations of West Egg and East Egg in 'The Great Gatsby'. It delves into themes of social class, home aesthetics, and the dichotomy of appearance versus reality. Test your knowledge on the symbolism of Gatsby's mansion and its implications for his identity and social status.