Gatsby’s World: Setting, Symbols & Characters
The Great Gatsby: Setting, Symbols, and Characters
Setting: 1920s New York
The Great Gatsby is set in the summer of 1922, in and around New York City. The novel primarily takes place in three key locations:
- East Egg: Represents old money and aristocratic status (e.g., Tom and Daisy Buchanan). The people here inherited their wealth and look down on the newly rich.
- West Egg: Represents new money and self-made wealth (e.g., Gatsby). Though rich, these people lack social status and are seen as outsiders by the East Egg elite.
- 1920s: Known as the “Roaring Twenties,” this era was marked by excess, wealth, corruption, and moral decay. The novel critiques the American Dream and the emptiness of material success.
Characterization of Jay Gatsby
Jay Gatsby is a mysterious, wealthy man who throws extravagant parties in hopes of rekindling his past love with Daisy Buchanan. He is deeply idealistic, obsessed with the past, and ultimately tragic. His wealth comes from shady dealings, and despite his riches, he never truly belongs to the elite class.
Key Symbols in The Great Gatsby
- Green Light: Located at the end of Daisy’s dock, it represents Gatsby’s hopes and dreams, especially his desire to reunite with Daisy. It symbolizes the unreachable future and the illusion of the American Dream.
- Dr. T.J. Eckleburg’s Eyes: A faded billboard of giant eyes overlooking the “Valley of Ashes,” symbolizing a higher power watching over the corruption and moral decay of society. It represents the loss of spiritual values in the pursuit of material wealth.
Summary of Chapters 1-4
Nick Carraway moves to West Egg, next to the mysterious millionaire Jay Gatsby. He visits his cousin, Daisy, and her husband, Tom Buchanan, in East Egg, where he learns that Tom is having an affair with Myrtle Wilson.
Nick attends one of Gatsby’s lavish parties, where he finally meets Gatsby, who is surprisingly humble. Gatsby reveals to Nick that he loves Daisy and bought his mansion to be near her. Through Jordan Baker, Nick learns that Gatsby wants him to arrange a reunion between Gatsby and Daisy.
Later, Gatsby takes Nick to New York City, where he meets Meyer Wolfsheim, hinting at Gatsby’s involvement in illegal activities. Gatsby also tells Nick exaggerated stories about his past, claiming to be an Oxford graduate and a war hero.
The section ends with Gatsby’s plan: to reunite with Daisy and win her back.