From Conflict to Identity: Main Issues Explored in US Literary Education - Sykalo Eugen 2023

How does the setting of “The Great Gatsby” contribute to its themes and symbolism?

F. Scott Fitzgerald's magnum opus, "The Great Gatsby," presents a meticulously crafted narrative in which the setting assumes a paramount role in shaping the themes and symbolism that permeate the novel. Set amidst the opulent and decadent backdrop of 1920s America, Fitzgerald ingeniously employs the various settings to provide a nuanced exploration of the illusionary nature of the American Dream, the corrosive effects of materialism, and the stark divisions of social class. From the sprawling mansions of West Egg to the exclusive enclave of East Egg, and the gritty allure of the Valley of Ashes, each setting becomes a stage upon which the characters navigate a complex web of aspirations, disillusionment, and moral decay.

The contrasting settings of West Egg and East Egg represent the divisions within the upper echelons of society, reflecting the disparities in wealth, social status, and the underlying pursuit of the American Dream. West Egg, characterized by Gatsby's extravagant mansion and the dwellings of the nouveau riche, symbolizes the realm of the self-made millionaires, those who have acquired wealth through dubious means and seek to emulate the elite. The ostentatious displays of wealth in West Egg underscore the illusionary nature of the American Dream, where material possessions and superficial trappings mask a deeper sense of emptiness and moral decay. In contrast, East Egg, the abode of old money aristocracy, epitomizes inherited wealth, privilege, and entrenched social hierarchies. The refined elegance and restrained opulence of East Egg juxtapose the flamboyant excesses of West Egg, highlighting the distinction between the aspirational and the established, the strivers and the entrenched elite.

The Valley of Ashes, situated between the glamour of West Egg and the wealth of East Egg, serves as a symbolic wasteland, a stark reminder of the consequences of the unrestrained pursuit of wealth and social status. The desolate landscape, with its decaying industrial structures and pervasive air of despair, represents the moral and spiritual decay that lurks beneath the surface of the glittering Jazz Age. The valley becomes a metaphorical graveyard, where the discarded dreams and shattered aspirations of the marginalized characters accumulate, highlighting the stark contrast between the illusion of the American Dream and its harsh realities. Moreover, the ashen symbolism emphasizes the loss of moral compass and the hollowness of the characters' pursuits, as their relentless pursuit of material wealth leaves them spiritually bankrupt.

The settings in "The Great Gatsby" also serve as a backdrop for the characters' interactions and the exploration of their complex relationships. Gatsby's opulent mansion in West Egg becomes the epicenter of the novel, where the enigmatic protagonist hosts extravagant parties filled with revelry and superficial connections. These lavish gatherings, characterized by the excesses of the Jazz Age, serve as a microcosm of the morally bankrupt society that indulges in escapism, hedonism, and the relentless pursuit of pleasure. The setting of Gatsby's mansion acts as a stage for the characters to perform their roles, donning masks of social prestige and concealing their true identities and motivations.

The symbolism of the settings is further enhanced through Fitzgerald's vivid descriptions and evocative language. The sumptuous prose paints a vivid picture of the grandeur and decadence of the settings, immersing the reader in the lavishness of Gatsby's parties, the serene elegance of Daisy's East Egg residence, and the desolation of the Valley of Ashes. Fitzgerald's meticulous attention to detail allows the settings to become living entities, reflective of the characters' inner lives and the themes explored in the novel.

The setting of "The Great Gatsby" serves as a pivotal element in the exploration of its themes and symbolism. From the contrasting realms of West Egg and East Egg to the desolate wasteland of the Valley of Ashes, each setting contributes to the nuanced examination of the illusory nature of the American Dream, the corrosive effects of materialism, and the stark divisions of social class. Through vivid descriptions and evocative language, Fitzgerald creates a world that reflects the characters' aspirations, disillusionment, and moral decay, leaving an indelible impression on the reader's psyche. The settings become not mere backdrops, but active participants in the narrative, enriching the themes and symbolism of this literary masterpiece.