New York, the city that never sleeps, has been depicted in countless books and movies as the ultimate symbol of glamour and opportunity. In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald showcases a different side of the city, one that illustrates the decay of the American Dream and the dangers of excess. Through the eyes of Nick Carraway, we are introduced to a cast of characters who are consumed by their desire for wealth and social status, driving them to make reckless decisions that spell their downfall.
At its core, New York in The Great Gatsby represents the corrupting influence of unfettered ambition. From the glitzy parties thrown by Jay Gatsby to the seedy speakeasies frequented by the bootleggers who supply his illegal wares, the city is portrayed as a place where morality takes a back seat to power and prestige. Even the working class residents who populate the outskirts of the city are shown as struggling to make ends meet, with the promise of upward mobility constantly dangled in front of them as an unattainable dream.
Despite the bleak portrait of New York painted by Fitzgerald, there is still a sense of allure and excitement that permeates the novel. The city is where characters like Gatsby come to reinvent themselves, and where Nick Carraway is able to experience life on a grander scale than he ever could in his Midwestern hometown. The glittering skyline and bustling streets represent the promise of a better life, even as the novel shows us the high price that must be paid to attain it.
The American Dream
In the Great Gatsby, New York symbolizes the epitome of the American Dream, which is the belief that anyone can succeed in America regardless of their background or social status. This belief has been instilled in people’s minds for generations, prompting them to pursue their dreams and aspirations in the land of opportunities. However, as depicted in the novel, the American Dream can be elusive and difficult to attain. The characters in the story, particularly Gatsby, are consumed by the pursuit of wealth and status, hoping to achieve the American Dream and win the love of their lives.
The American Dream Checklist
- Entrepreneurship
- Hard work
- Resilience
The Illusion of the American Dream
The Great Gatsby also challenges the illusion of the American Dream. Fitzgerald portrays the superficiality and corruption that envelops the wealthy and privileged in New York, highlighting the moral decay beneath the glamor and extravagance. Gatsby’s wealth and his mansion may be impressive but are built on criminal endeavors. Similarly, the Buchanans, Tom, and Daisy, are disillusioned by their material wealth and power, showing that the American Dream is not always fulfilling and can lead to moral corruption and emptiness.
Moreover, the society depicted in the novel is divided into classes, with the upper class dominating and exploiting those below them. This serves to emphasize the limitations of the American Dream, which is far from being accessible to everyone. The characters’ illusions of the American Dream are shattered when they finally realize that their wealth and status are empty, and they can never attain true happiness or love.
The Corruption of the American Dream
The table below shows how the American Dream has become distorted and corrupted from its original values and how it has evolved for different generations.
| Original values | 20th century | 21st century |
|---|---|---|
| Equal opportunity | Material success | Social media fame |
| Individualism | Consumerism | Self-promotion |
| Hard work | Networking | Instant gratification |
The American Dream has become a distorted version of its original values. While the hope for a better future motivates many people to pursue their dreams, the corruption of the dream can lead to disappointment and disillusionment. Fitzgerald’s critique of the American Dream highlights the dangers of being consumed by superficiality and the pursuit of wealth at the expense of one’s values and beliefs.
Wealth and Excess
New York in The Great Gatsby is often associated with the themes of wealth and excess. The characters in the novel are obsessed with money and the luxurious lifestyle it affords them. The city becomes a symbol of their wealth and status, with the various neighborhoods serving as visual indicators of social class.
- The homes of the wealthy in the city, such as Gatsby’s mansion in West Egg and Tom and Daisy Buchanan’s home in East Egg, are extravagant and opulent. They serve as symbols of their owners’ wealth and excess.
- The parties that Gatsby throws at his mansion are also a symbol of the excess and opulence of the wealthy in the city. These parties are designed to impress and are attended by the richest and most powerful people in the city.
- The characters’ obsession with money and status is further emphasized by their lavish spending habits, such as Daisy’s collection of expensive clothes.
The city’s association with wealth and excess is further highlighted by the stark contrast between the wealthy neighborhoods and the poverty that exists elsewhere in the city. The Valley of Ashes, a desolate and impoverished industrial area between West Egg and New York City, serves as a stark reminder of the wealth inequality that exists in the city.
Overall, New York City in The Great Gatsby symbolizes the pursuit of wealth and status at any cost. The characters’ extravagant lifestyles and the stark contrast between the wealthy and poor serve as reminders of the corrupt and materialistic values of the society in which they live.
| Symbol | Description |
|---|---|
| The mansions | Extravagant, opulent homes of the wealthy serve as symbols of their owners’ wealth and excess. |
| Gatsby’s parties | Designed to impress and attended by the richest and most powerful people in the city, these parties are a symbol of excess and opulence. |
| The Valley of Ashes | A desolate and impoverished area that serves as a stark reminder of the wealth inequality in the city. |
The symbols of wealth and excess in New York City serve to highlight the corrupt and materialistic values of the society in which The Great Gatsby is set.
The Roaring Twenties
The Great Gatsby is often considered as one of the best portrayals of the Roaring Twenties. The period symbolized a time of change, growth, and prosperity in America. The end of the First World War marked a new beginning for the country, and there was a significant shift in culture. The Roaring Twenties brought about a new wave of optimism and excitement, as people embraced new social norms and celebrated their newfound freedom.
- Women’s Liberation
- Consumerism and Materialism
- The Rise of Jazz
One of the primary aspects of the Roaring Twenties was the social and political change that occurred. Women, in particular, experienced a new level of liberation during this period. They gained the right to vote, and many began to challenge traditional gender roles. Women started to embrace new fashion styles, like the flapper dress, which symbolized their newfound freedom.
The Roaring Twenties also symbolized the rise of consumerism and materialism. America was experiencing significant economic growth, and people began to focus more on their wealth and social status. People were more interested in the latest trends, luxury goods, and entertainment. This obsession with material possessions is evident in The Great Gatsby, as the characters showcase their wealth and extravagance.
The rise of Jazz was another key element of the Roaring Twenties. Jazz music represented a break from traditional music styles and was seen as a symbol of freedom and liberation. Jazz music became popular in the urban areas and helped to give birth to the culture of the nightclubs and speakeasies, which were a prominent feature of the Roaring Twenties.
| Key Features of the Roaring Twenties | Meaning and Symbolism |
|---|---|
| Women’s Liberation | Symbolized the shift towards gender equality and freedom. |
| Consumerism and Materialism | Symbolized the focus on wealth and material possessions. |
| The Rise of Jazz | Symbolized the break from traditional music styles and the emergence of new culture. |
The Roaring Twenties represented a significant shift in American culture, and this period is often seen as a symbol of freedom and prosperity. The Great Gatsby captures this period’s essence, showcasing the glamour and excitement of the era, but also highlighting the corruption and disillusionment that lay beneath the surface.
Social Class and Status
The Great Gatsby depicts the social class structure and status of New York during the 1920s. The characters in the novel are divided into three distinct classes: old money, new money, and those without money, further emphasizing the importance of wealth and social status in the society.
Through the portrayal of the wealthy characters and their lavish lifestyle, the novel highlights the glamorization of the wealthy and how their status is interpreted as superior. Throughout the novel, social class and status serve as a central theme, influencing and dictating the actions and decisions of the characters.
- The old money class is represented by characters such as Tom Buchanan and Daisy Buchanan who inherited their wealth from their families. They are the embodiment of the traditional elites, who attend exclusive clubs and live in opulent mansions. They value social status and are more interested in preserving their wealth and status within their exclusive society.
- New money characters like Jay Gatsby and his business partner, Meyer Wolfsheim, acquired their wealth through illegal means such as bootlegging and gambling. They try to emulate the old money class by throwing elaborate parties and buying expensive possessions to prove their worth to others.
- The characters without money and a lower social status are represented by characters such as George Wilson and Myrtle Wilson. They are trapped in their socioeconomic status and are unable to move up the social ladder.
The novel’s design symbolizes the social and economic turmoil of the time, with socioeconomic boundaries being rigidly enforced. Fitzgerald uses Tom, Daisy, and Gatsby’s relationship to highlight how wealth can provide a certain level of protection and privilege, but it can also be a double-edged sword, leading to disillusionment and moral decay. Ultimately, The Great Gatsby illustrates the high value that was placed on social class and status during the Roaring Twenties and its subsequent downfall.
| Old Money | New Money | No Money |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Buchanan | Jay Gatsby | George Wilson |
| Daisy Buchanan | Meyer Wolfsheim | Myrtle Wilson |
| Example | Significance of Eight |
|---|---|
| “Eight servants” (Chapter 3) | Underscores Gatsby’s extravagant lifestyle |
| The eight “ineluctable” hours of work (Chapter 4) | Contrasts the leisurely lifestyles of the wealthy with the struggles of the working class |
| The “eighty dollars” that Gatsby pays for Daisy’s dress (Chapter 5) | Emphasizes Gatsby’s willingness to spend exorbitant amounts of money to impress Daisy |
The number eight underscores the sense of excess and extravagance that characterizes the lives of the wealthy in The Great Gatsby. It serves as a reminder of the immense wealth that exists in this world, and highlights the stark contrast between the haves and the have-nots in the society that Fitzgerald portrays.
East Coast vs. West Coast
The Great Gatsby is a novel that is rich with symbolism, and New York City is perhaps the most prominent symbol of all. The contrast between the East Coast and the West Coast is one of the driving forces behind the novel’s themes.
- The East Coast represents tradition, power, and wealth. New York City is the center of the business world, where old money families reign and social status is everything.
- The West Coast represents new beginnings, freedom, and prosperity. It is the land of opportunity, a place where someone can reinvent themselves and make their fortune.
These two contrasting coasts are embodied in the novel by the characters of Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby. Tom embodies the East Coast, with his old money and traditional values. He exudes power and authority, but he is also brutish and careless. Gatsby, on the other hand, embodies the West Coast. He represents the American Dream, made real by his own hard work and determination. He is charming and charismatic, but he is also mysterious and flawed.
The number 9 is an important symbol in The Great Gatsby, and it ties in with the East Coast vs. West Coast theme. The number 9 represents the end of a cycle, the completion of something. On the East Coast, the old money families are at the end of their cycle. They are set in their ways and resistant to change. On the West Coast, however, anything is possible. Gatsby’s rise to wealth and power represents a new cycle, a new beginning, and a rejection of the old ways.
| East Coast | West Coast |
|---|---|
| Traditional values | New beginnings |
| Old money | The American Dream |
| Status quo | Possibility and opportunity |
In the end, The Great Gatsby is a cautionary tale about the dangers of chasing an illusory dream. Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy and his own American Dream ultimately lead to his downfall. The novel serves as a warning against the excesses of the East Coast and the pitfalls of the West Coast. It shows that neither extreme is the answer, and that balance and perspective are key to a fulfilling life.
Prohibition and Bootlegging
Prohibition was a nationwide constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages from 1920 to 1933. The Great Gatsby is set during the Prohibition era, which played a prominent role in the novel. The prohibition of alcohol brought two significant changes in American society—the rise of organized crime and the emergence of bootlegging.
- Organized Crime: Prohibition banned the sale of alcohol, but it did not prevent people from consuming it. This led to the rise of organized crime, who saw the opportunity to make significant profits by producing and distributing illegal alcohol. Gangsters like Al Capone and Meyer Lansky became household names as they controlled the illegal liquor trade in America.
- Bootlegging: Bootlegging is the illegal production and distribution of alcohol. During Prohibition, bootlegging became a significant industry in America. Many people started making their own alcohol, and others smuggled alcohol into the country. This led to the rise of speakeasies, which were illegal bars where people could buy and drink alcohol. Speakeasies were popular in New York, where Gatsby lived.
The Great Gatsby portrays the glamorous side of illegal alcohol. Gatsby’s parties were full of illegal alcohol and were an escape from reality for the guests. However, the novel also shows the darker side of prohibition. There is a scene in the novel where Gatsby’s car hits and kills Myrtle Wilson, who was drinking at a party. The incident shows the dangers of illegal alcohol and the consequences of the Prohibition era.
In summary, Prohibition and bootlegging played a significant role in The Great Gatsby. It portrayed the rise of organized crime and the emergence of bootlegging. The novel also showed the glamorous side of illegal alcohol and the dangers it posed. It is a reminder of how the Prohibition era changed American society, and how the effects of it are still felt today.
FAQs: What Does New York Symbolize in The Great Gatsby?
Q: What role does New York play in The Great Gatsby?
A: New York City represents the epicenter of excess and extravagance in the novel. It is where Gatsby, Nick, Tom, and Daisy all converge to pursue their various ambitions.
Q: What is the symbolic significance of the “Valley of Ashes” in The Great Gatsby?
A: The Valley of Ashes, a desolate industrial wasteland between New York City and West Egg, represents the moral decay and desolation hidden beneath the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties.
Q: How does New York symbolize the corruption of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby?
A: The aspiring elites of New York City, particularly Gatsby, are depicted as pursuing wealth and status at any cost, regardless of the consequences; this is the antithesis of the American Dream, which values hard work, honesty, and integrity.
Q: What symbolic function do the billboards of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg serve in The Great Gatsby?
A: The faded eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, looming over the Valley of Ashes, serve as a haunting reminder of the moral decay and spiritual emptiness of the characters’ lives.
Q: Is New York primarily portrayed as glamorous or corrupt in The Great Gatsby?
A: New York City is portrayed as a city of contrasts: both beautiful and ugly, glamorous and corrupt. It is a symbol of the Roaring Twenties, an era of excess and decadence.
Q: How does New York reflect the tension between the Old and New in The Great Gatsby?
A: New York City is a symbol of the changing values and attitudes of the post-World War I era, representing both the decadence of the Old World and the promise of the New.
Q: How does New York reflect the societal divisions of The Great Gatsby?
A: New York City is divided into distinct social classes, reflecting the class divisions that the characters experience. The wealthy elites of East and West Egg view the city as their playground, while the working-class denizens of the Valley of Ashes are left behind.
Thanks for Reading!
As you can see, New York City serves as a symbol for many complex themes and ideas in The Great Gatsby. Whether you see it as a glamorous, corrupt, or divided city, it reflects the hopes and fears of a generation experiencing momentous change. Thanks for reading, and please check back soon for more literary insights and analysis!