The concept of west and east in Fitzgerald's novel great Gatsby

Abstract EN

The aim of this research is to highlight the symbolic meaning of east and west in Fitzgerald’s novel The Great Gatsby.

The West Egg is the home of Gatsby and those who are like him, who gain huge wealth but they lack the traditions associated with inherited property and therefore are uncouth, and because they do not have any traditions of their own, they try to copy those of others.The East Eggers, like Tom and Daisy, have the inherited traditions but they have been corrupted by the purposelessness and ease their money has provided.Class and Socioeconomic status is one of the most important themes in the novel.

It is clear in almost every character.

The East and West represent a symbol of this in their physical structure.

The Bachanans live on the East Egg which is far more civilized and "well educated ".

Nick and Gatsby are from the West Egg who do not have any real status, even though they have money.

The green light glows from the East Egg tempting Gatsby for what he wants.

Daisy, the woman that Gatsby wants but will never get, lives on the East Egg.

The barricade that the water creates between these worlds is symbolic of the limit that separates these people from one another and from what they want.