Great Gatsby Setting and Symbols

Study Notes

Setting Elements

East Egg: Represents "Old Money," where affluent characters like Tom and Daisy Buchanan reside.
West Egg: Home to the "newly rich," characterized by individuals such as Jay Gatsby.
New York City: A bustling metropolis serving as Nick Carraway's workplace as a bondsman.
Gatsby's House: Constructed to emulate a European landmark, reflecting Gatsby's wealth and his desire for Daisy.
Tom and Daisy's House: A striking Georgian colonial mansion on East Egg, symbolizing their social status.
Tom and Myrtle's Apartment: A lavishly furnished top-floor apartment in New York indicative of Tom's infidelity and excess.
Nick's House: A modest "cardboard" bungalow situated between two mansions in West Egg, highlighting his humble background.
Valley of Ashes: An industrial wasteland signifying decay and the harsh realities behind the American Dream, situated between West Egg and New York.

Symbols

Green Light: A powerful symbol for aspirations and the elusive nature of dreams, often related to Gatsby’s longing for the past.
Valley of Ashes Symbol: Represents poverty and despair, illustrating the failure of the American Dream for many characters.
Dr. T.J. Eckleburg's Eyes: A haunting symbol that evokes themes of judgment and abandonment, suggesting a void of moral oversight.
Automobiles: Serve as symbols of wealth, freedom, and status, but also embody risk and danger.
Parties: Lavish gatherings meant to showcase wealth and the pursuit of pleasure, emphasizing the superficiality of the characters' lives.
Cheating: A recurring theme used as an escape mechanism for characters to escape boredom, poverty, or strive towards the American Dream.

Description

Explore the key settings and symbols of 'The Great Gatsby' with these flashcards. Understand the significance of locations like East Egg, West Egg, and New York City, as well as Gatsby's grand estate. Perfect for anyone looking to deepen their comprehension of the novel.