Gatsby's Homes: West Egg vs East Egg

Questions and Answers

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

West Egg is more fashionable.

West Egg has better houses.

East Egg inhabitants are more respectful.

West Egg is less wealthier. (correct)

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

It suggests that Gatsby's home is excessive and lacks originality.

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

It alludes to Gatsby's lack of roots.

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

It sticks out as an eyesore compared to the elegant homes in East Egg. Signup and view all the answers

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

It connotes innocence and purity. Signup and view all the answers

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

It conveys brightness and beauty. Signup and view all the answers

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

It indicates extravagance and opulence. Signup and view all the answers

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

It shows everything is beautiful and tastefully decorated. Signup and view all the answers

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

It is compared to a frosted wedding cake. Signup and view all the answers

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

It represents a theme of appearance versus reality. Signup and view all the answers

What illustrates the Buchanan's focus on appearances?

The pointless action of relighting the candles. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gatsby reaching for the green light signify?

It symbolizes his pursuit of dreams and aspirations. Signup and view all the answers

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

It symbolizes Gatsby's American dream and his wish to be with Daisy. Signup and view all the answers

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

It symbolizes greed, envy, and jealousy. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

Description

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.