Describe The Setting Of The Novel The Great Gatsby
The Roaring Twenties
The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a novel set in the 1920s, a period in American history commonly referred to as the Roaring Twenties. This era was characterized by economic prosperity, cultural change, and social liberation. The novel is set in the fictional town of West Egg, Long Island, during the summer of 1922.
West Egg and East Egg
The novel is set in two locations, West Egg and East Egg. West Egg is home to the newly rich, while East Egg is home to those who inherited their wealth. The two locations are separated by a bay, with East Egg being the more fashionable and refined of the two.
Gatsby's Mansion
Jay Gatsby, the main character, lives in a mansion in West Egg. The mansion is a symbol of Gatsby's wealth and extravagance. The mansion is described as having a white exterior, with a green light visible across the bay from Gatsby's dock. The green light is a symbol of hope and the future, representing Gatsby's desire to win back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan.
The Valley of Ashes
The Valley of Ashes is located between West Egg and New York City. It is a desolate and depressing area, characterized by its gray landscape and the ash that covers everything. The Valley of Ashes is a symbol of the moral decay and corruption that exists beneath the surface of the Roaring Twenties.
New York City
New York City is the center of the novel's action. It is a symbol of the excess and corruption of the Roaring Twenties. The city is described as being filled with bright lights, loud music, and the constant sound of car horns. It is a place where people go to party, drink, and forget their problems.
The Buchanan's Mansion
The Buchanan's mansion is located in East Egg. It is a symbol of old money and the social elite. The mansion is described as being grand and ornate, with marble floors and expensive furnishings. The Buchanan's are the embodiment of the old aristocracy, with a sense of entitlement and superiority.
The Parties
Gatsby's parties are legendary. They are held every weekend and are attended by the rich and famous of New York City. The parties are a symbol of Gatsby's desire to be accepted by the social elite. They are also a symbol of the excess and decadence of the Roaring Twenties.
The Automobile
The automobile is a symbol of the freedom and mobility of the Roaring Twenties. It is also a symbol of the danger and destruction that can result from excess and recklessness. In the novel, the automobile is a central element in the tragic events that unfold.
The Weather
The weather in the novel is a reflection of the characters' emotions and the events that are unfolding. The novel is set during the summer, with hot and humid weather. The weather becomes increasingly stormy as the novel progresses, signaling the approaching tragedy.
Conclusion
The setting of The Great Gatsby is a key element in the novel. It is a reflection of the excess, decadence, and corruption of the Roaring Twenties. The setting is also a symbol of the characters' desires, hopes, and dreams. Through the setting, Fitzgerald creates a world that is both beautiful and tragic, a world that captures the essence of a unique and fascinating period in American history.