The grand mansion of Tom and Daisy Buchanan is a majestic and imposing structure, looming large over the petty problems of the world like a monolith of wealth and power. The sprawling estate is a perfect symbol of the opulence and decadence of the roaring twenties, a time when fortunes were made and lost in the blink of an eye. But there is more to this mansion than just its impressive façade. It is a symbol of excess and extravagance, a testament to the unchecked ambition of the rich and powerful.
From the manicured lawns to the marble floors, every inch of the Buchanan’s mansion oozes with the trappings of luxury and privilege. The ostentatious display of wealth is a clear indication of the values and priorities of the characters who inhabit it. But beneath the opulence lies a darkness, a seedy underbelly of corruption and moral decay. The mansion symbolizes the emptiness and hollowness of the lives of those who are consumed by greed and selfishness, highlighting the stark contrast between the lives of the rich and the poor.
The significance of Tom and Daisy’s mansion goes beyond mere architectural brilliance, embodying a powerful message about the dangers of unchecked ambition. As we delve deeper into the lives of the characters who reside within its walls, it becomes clear that the mansion is more than just a resplendent home; it serves as a stark reminder of the excesses and moral failings of the wealthy elite. The mansion’s symbolism is a warning that the pursuit of wealth and power at any cost can ultimately lead to ruin.
The Wealth Divide in the Roaring Twenties
The Roaring Twenties was a decade marked by an increase in economic prosperity and extravagance, especially for the wealthy. The period was characterized by a clear divide between the rich and the poor, with the former enjoying lavish lifestyles and the latter struggling to make ends meet. This wealth divide was mirrored in the architecture, symbols, and characters of the era, with the mansion belonging to Tom and Daisy serving as a prime example.
Tom and Daisy’s mansion symbolizes the excesses and extravagance of the wealthy during the Roaring Twenties. The mansion was both a sign of their wealth and a means of flaunting it to others. The ornate architecture, opulent decorations, and expensive furnishings were all indications of the couple’s affluence. However, the mansion also served as a symbol of the couple’s moral decay and spiritual bankruptcy. Despite their material wealth, Tom and Daisy were emotionally and morally bankrupt, engaging in extramarital affairs and other immoral behavior.
- While the wealth divide in the Roaring Twenties was stark, it was not a new phenomenon. The industrial revolution had brought about significant wealth accumulation and income inequality, particularly in urban areas.
- The Roaring Twenties marked a period of incredible economic growth, spurred by advances in technology and industrialization. This growth largely benefited the wealthy, though, as the poor continued to struggle.
- The symbolism of the wealth divide was apparent not just in the mansions of the wealthy but also in the symbols of the era, such as the luxurious cars and flapper dresses.
Overall, the wealth divide in the Roaring Twenties was a clear indication of the moral and ethical decay of the era. While the wealthy enjoyed the material trappings of success, they were often morally and spiritually bankrupt, plagued by scandals and moral failings. The mansion belonging to Tom and Daisy serves as a potent symbol of this divide, reflecting both the material excess and moral emptiness of the era.
The American Dream and Its Illusionary Nature
The concept of the American Dream is often associated with the idea of achieving success, prosperity, and happiness through hard work and determination. The dream typically involves the pursuit of wealth, a secure job, a house, and a family.
- However, the American Dream is often an illusion. It creates a false sense of hope and achievement that is not always attainable for everyone. This has been portrayed in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby” through the lives of Tom and Daisy Buchanan.
- The Buchanans live in a grand mansion located in West Egg, Long Island. Their home symbolizes the ostentatious wealth, and extravagance of the upper-class society. They have everything they could ever ask for, but they are not happy.
- Their life is filled with discontent, infidelity, deception, and lies. Tom cheats on Daisy, who is equally unfaithful. They are not satisfied with what they have and indulge in lavish parties and luxuries to mask their inner voids and insecurities.
The Illusionary Nature of Wealth
The Buchanans are a perfect example of how wealth can be an illusion. They are financially stable and have everything they desire, but they are not happy. Their pursuit of materialism blinds them from the true meaning of happiness.
Similarly, in today’s world, many people chase wealth, believing that it will bring them happiness and fulfilment. But evidence suggests otherwise. A study conducted on happiness and income showed that once an individual makes enough money to meet their basic needs, earning more money does not equate to a happier life.
The Illusionary Nature of the American Dream
The American Dream creates a false sense of hope and achievement that is not always attainable for everyone. It is often a product of social and economic factors that can lead to discrimination, unequal opportunities, and lack of social mobility.
| Factors that Affect the American Dream | Description |
|---|---|
| Social Inequality | The growing gap between the rich and the poor creates a disparity of opportunities and resources that hinders the ability to achieve the American Dream. |
| Economic Disparity | The current economic conditions create financial obstacles, such as student debt, housing affordability, and health care expenses, that can prevent individuals from achieving the American Dream. |
| Racial Discrimination | Racism and discrimination against ethnic minorities limit their opportunities and ability to achieve the American Dream. |
Overall, the American Dream is an illusionary concept that creates a sense of false hope and achievement for many people. The Buchanans’ mansion symbolizes the trapping nature of wealth and materialism and demonstrates how the pursuit of the American Dream can lead to a life devoid of true happiness and fulfilment.
The Significance of Color Symbolism in The Great Gatsby
The use of color symbolism is one of the most prominent literary techniques used by F. Scott Fitzgerald in his masterpiece, The Great Gatsby. Colors are not just used to describe the setting or the characters’ appearances; instead, they are used to convey deeper meaning and symbolism throughout the novel.
- The Color Green – The color green is undoubtedly the most pervasive and symbolic color used in The Great Gatsby. It represents a variety of themes, including money, wealth, class, envy, and hope. One of the most significant uses of the color green is in the description of the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock. The light represents Jay Gatsby’s hope and longing for Daisy, who is his ultimate desire.
- The Color White – The color white is used to represent purity, innocence, and honesty throughout the novel. The character who embodies this symbolism is Daisy Buchanan, who is often described wearing white dresses. However, in reality, Daisy is anything but pure and honest, which highlights the hollow nature of the American Dream.
- The Color Yellow – Yellow represents corruption, decay, and the dishonesty of wealth. Fitzgerald uses the color yellow to describe Gatsby’s extravagant car and the “yellow cocktail music” played at his parties. Both symbolize the superficiality and false happiness associated with the wealthy elite in the novel.
Overall, the use of color symbolism in The Great Gatsby not only enhances the novel’s aesthetic appeal, but it also provides a deeper understanding of the text’s themes and symbolism. By drawing attention to certain colors and their meanings, Fitzgerald creates a nuanced and complex portrayal of the American Dream and its failures.
The Significance of the Number 3 in The Great Gatsby
The number three represents several significant concepts in The Great Gatsby. The repeated use of the number three throughout the novel creates a sense of cohesion and coherence, allowing various elements of the novel to come together in a powerful way.
- The Three Main Characters – The novel’s plot revolves around three main characters: Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, and Nick Carraway. The character of Nick Carraway serves as the narrator, while the other two are the novel’s romantic interest. Fitzgerald’s decision to have just three primary characters is symbolic of the important things that come in threes- such as the three primary colors (red, blue, and yellow) and the three primary dimensions (length, width, and height).
- The Three Major Settings – The novel’s main settings are East Egg, West Egg, and New York City. These three locations represent the range of wealth and class present in society. East Egg symbolizes the old money crowd, West Egg represents the newly rich, and New York City represents the middle class. By using three distinct settings, Fitzgerald highlights the extensive range of class barriers that existed during the 1920s.
- The Three Deaths – In the novel’s climactic ending, three characters die in rapid succession. Myrtle Wilson is killed by Daisy’s car, Gatsby is murdered by George Wilson, and George Wilson commits suicide. This trio of deaths represents the ultimate failure of the American Dream for all three characters and serves as the ultimate tragedy of the novel.
The use of the number three allows Fitzgerald to create a sense of symmetry and balance throughout the novel, highlighting the interconnectivity of various elements central to the interpretation of the text.
The Significance of Tom and Daisy’s Mansion
The mansion belonging to Tom and Daisy Buchanan symbolizes the extravagant, unfulfilling lifestyle of the wealthy upper class in The Great Gatsby.
| Symbol | Description |
|---|---|
| Excessive Wealth | The mansion is a grand estate, complete with a private sitting room, reflecting the unimaginable luxury of the wealthy. |
| The Hollow American Dream | The mansion is an empty, miserable representation of the American Dream. Despite having everything they could ever want, Daisy and Tom are still unhappy and unfulfilled. |
| The Imitation of Love | Their mansion may be beautiful and grand, but their love for each other is not real. Their love is cultivated and maintained only for the appearances, a hollow imitation of true love. |
The mansion is a symbol of the emptiness and moral degradation of the wealthy upper class, serving as a reminder of the illusions and false dreams that are not enough to bring true happiness and fulfillment in life.
The Role of Gender in Tom and Daisy’s Marriage
The Great Gatsby is a novel that symbolizes the decadence and opulence of the Jazz Age, but it’s also a commentary on the corrupt institutions and values that were at the heart of American society. The marriage of Tom and Daisy Buchanan is a perfect example of this, as their relationship is defined by societal expectations and gender roles.
Tom and Daisy’s marriage is often characterized as one of convenience rather than love, as their union was arranged to consolidate their power and wealth. However, it’s important to note that their marriage is also defined by their gender roles. Tom represents the traditional masculine ideal of the time period, while Daisy embodies the feminine ideal. This is evident in the ways that they interact with each other and the world around them.
- Tom is portrayed as dominant, aggressive, and self-assured. He’s physically powerful and exudes a sense of control over those around him. He’s also unfaithful to Daisy and has numerous affairs with other women. His affairs are a reflection of his sense of entitlement and privilege as a man in a patriarchal society.
- Daisy, on the other hand, is portrayed as delicate, passive, and dependent. She’s beautiful and graceful, but also emotionally fragile. She relies on men to take care of her and provide for her, and she’s unable to assert herself in a relationship or stand up to Tom’s abusive behavior. This is a reflection of the limited options available to women during the 1920s.
- Their marriage is also characterized by the double standards of the time period. Tom’s infidelity is accepted and even celebrated by his friends and family, while Daisy is expected to remain faithful and loyal to her husband. This dichotomy is a reflection of the gendered expectations of the time period, where men were able to assert their sexual dominance over women without repercussions.
Overall, Tom and Daisy’s marriage is an example of how gender roles and societal expectations can shape and define relationships. Their union is a reflection of the limited options available to women during the time period, as well as the entitled and abusive behavior that was tolerated by men in a patriarchal society.
As we reflect on these gender dynamics in The Great Gatsby, it’s important to remember that these issues are still prevalent in our society today. By acknowledging and challenging these gendered expectations, we can work towards creating a more equitable and just society for all.
References:
| Author | Publication | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Fitzgerald, F. Scott | The Great Gatsby | 1925 |
| Bauer, Carol | Gender Role Portrayals in the Media | 2002 |
| Kimmel, Michael | The Gendered Society | 2013 |
The Destruction of the American Family
Tipsy and careless, Tom and Daisy Buchanan are symbolic of the deterioration of the American family in The Great Gatsby. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, their opulent mansion represents the deterioration of traditional family values, including fidelity, responsibility, and parental attention. Here are five ways that Tom and Daisy’s mansion symbolizes the destruction of the American family:
- Institutional Decay: The Buchanan mansion represents a fading aristocracy that is rife with corruption and decay. This institutional decay is evident in the crumbling house, which is described as “a factual imitation of some Hotel de Ville in Normandy.” The house is old, dilapidated, and borders on being condemned, much like the moral decay of the American family.
- The Absence of Parental Responsibility: The Buchanan’s mansion has “twenty acres of lawn and gardens, a private dock, and enough rooms for every guest to have a private bath.” However, the couple does not have any children, nor do they seem interested in starting a family. Their wealth and excess have made them indifferent to traditional values such as parental responsibility.
- Fidelity Issues: The exterior of the mansion is grandiose, but its interior is filled with tension and conflict. Tom and Daisy are not faithful to one another, and their infidelities add to the overall sense of decay and corruption in the novel. The mansion, with its multiple rooms and hidden passages, symbolizes the lack of trust and fidelity in the modern American family.
- The Pursuit of Pleasure: The Buchanan’s mansion is a testament to the excess and indulgences of America’s wealthy elite. The couple’s parties are notorious for their lavishness and focus on pleasure. The parties are marked by drunkenness, flirtations, and a general sense of debauchery. The mansion’s opulence represents America’s obsession with material wealth and the pursuit of pleasure over traditional values such as hard work and responsibility.
- The Decline of Moral Standards: In The Great Gatsby, the Buchanan mansion serves as a symbol of the decline of American moral standards. The house is a decadent monument to a fading aristocracy that has lost its sense of purpose. The lack of morality in the Buchanans is evident in their carelessness and disregard for others. Their lack of values or ethics reduces them to mere caricatures of themselves.
The Bottom Line
Taken as a whole, the Meyer Wolfsheim’s quote from The Great Gatsby sums up the decline of the American family as personified by Tom and Daisy’s mansion: “The whole show’s rotten.”‘ The Great Gatsby explores these themes of moral decay and greed, presenting an unflinching look at what can happen when a society loses its sense of values and traditions. Ultimately, the Buchanan mansion represents a society that is on its last legs, lost in a sea of materialism and decadence, with little hope of redemption.
The Role of Moral Decay in the Decline of Society
Tom and Daisy’s mansion in The Great Gatsby symbolizes the decay of society due to the erosion of moral values. The lavish parties, extravagant lifestyle, and careless behavior are all signs of the moral decay that was prevalent during the 1920s.
- The pursuit of pleasure: The Roaring Twenties were all about indulgence. People were more interested in enjoying life to the fullest than in maintaining moral values. Tom and Daisy are portrayed as characters who embody this ideology. They are more interested in their own pleasures than in the welfare of others.
- The decline of family values: Tom and Daisy’s marriage is a symbol of the decline of family values. Both parties are unfaithful to each other, and their marriage is nothing more than a façade. They are just two people living under the same roof but leading separate lives.
- The obsession with wealth: The mansion is a symbol of the obsession with wealth during the 1920s. People were more interested in accumulating wealth than in pursuing noble causes. The mansion is an embodiment of this materialistic ideology.
The decay of moral values in society led to the decline of the American Dream, a concept that is central to The Great Gatsby. People became more interested in pursuing their own pleasures than in contributing to society. This selfish behavior led to the destruction of any semblance of community and to the rise of individuals who were only interested in personal gain.
Overall, Tom and Daisy’s mansion is a symbol of the moral decay that was prevalent in American society during the 1920s. It represents a time when people were more interested in pursuing their own pleasures than in maintaining moral values.
The Relationship between Prohibition and Excess
The Prohibition era in the United States occurred from 1920 to 1933 when the sale, production, importation or transportation of alcohol was outlawed. It was a time when the government tried to regulate behavior and social habits, but it had the opposite effect. Prohibition was seen as a challenge, and many people went out of their way to obtain alcohol illegally. The prohibition era represented excess, indulgence and the breakdown of moral values. Tom and Daisy’s mansion in “The Great Gatsby” can be seen as a symbol for this time period.
- Excessive Wealth – Tom and Daisy’s mansion is an exaggeration of wealth and power. The mansion, located in East Egg, is an example of how the wealthy were living the high life during the Prohibition era. They didn’t have to worry about the laws that others were following, and they were able to live without any restrictions.
- Reckless Behavior – The mansion is where Tom and Daisy hold their wild parties. The parties would go on for days and nights, and they were filled with alcohol, music, dancing, and other forms of excess. Gatsby would attend the parties but his main reason for being there was to try and win back Daisy.
- Moral Decay – Tom and Daisy’s mansion represents the breakdown of moral values. The people who attended the parties were not concerned with the law or the consequences of their actions. The mansion was a place where they could let loose and forget about the outside world. The lack of concern for one another is also seen in Tom and Daisy’s relationships with others.
The Prohibition era and Tom and Daisy’s mansion in “The Great Gatsby” were both symbols of the excess and indulgence that was prevalent during that time. The mansion represents the corruption of wealth, the recklessness of behavior and the decay of moral values. People were willing to break the law in order to obtain what they wanted, and they did so with little to no regard for others. The mansion stands as a reminder of the dangers of excess and the consequences of indulgence.
| Points | Examples |
|---|---|
| Excessive Wealth | Tom and Daisy’s Mansion |
| Reckless Behavior | The wild parties |
| Moral Decay | The lack of concern for others and disregard for the law |
In conclusion, Tom and Daisy’s mansion in “The Great Gatsby” is a symbol of the excessive and indulgent behavior that was prevalent during the Prohibition era. The mansion is a reminder of how excess can lead to the breakdown of moral values and societal norms. The parties that were held at the mansion represent the recklessness of behavior that was common during this time. Tom and Daisy’s mansion serves as a cautionary tale, warning us of the dangers of indulgence and the consequences of unchecked excess.
The Significance of West Egg and East Egg
Towards the beginning of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s literary masterpiece, The Great Gatsby, the readers are introduced to two contrasting areas on the Long Island Sound: West Egg and East Egg. These two areas are significant for their respective symbolism and their representation of different social classes.
West Egg, where Jay Gatsby’s mansion is located, is described as a “factual imitation of some Hotel de Ville in Normandy” (Fitzgerald, 9). In other words, West Egg represents the nouveau riche, the newly acquired wealth through illegal means. The people living there have become wealthy in a short amount of time, through bootlegging and other criminal activities. Most of them have no background or education, but they flaunt their newfound wealth extravagantly by hosting parties and boutiques. They are driven by the desire for a lavish lifestyle that East Eggers already have.
On the other hand, East Egg, where Tom and Daisy’s mansion is situated, is the home of the old rich, inherited wealth, and status. The East Eggers are characterized as being snobbish, arrogant, and shallow. They look down upon the West Eggers, who they see as vulgar and incapable of understanding their values and traditions.
- East Egg is the symbol of old aristocracy and inherited power.
- West Egg, in contrast, symbolizes new wealth that is acquired through illegal means.
- The pursuit of the American Dream is also highlighted through the contrast between the two areas.
The discrepancy between the lifestyles of the two classes incites envy, deception, and even madness for a few characters in the novel. Gatsby, whom the readers become familiar with through the eyes of Nick, is a newcomer of West Egg. He is a living example of the American Dream, a man who started from nothing and worked his way up to become wealthy. His dream is to be reunited with his former lover, Daisy Buchanan, who now lives in East Egg. Gatsby’s pursuit of Daisy, the essential element of his happiness, motivates him to achieve the status of the old rich.
| Symbolism | West Egg | East Egg |
|---|---|---|
| American Dream | New wealth, opportunity, potential | Inherited wealth, tradition, status |
| Nature | “Unreal gardens” | “Geometric gardens” |
| Fashion | Gaudy, flashy | Conservative, high fashion |
The stark contrast between West Egg and East Egg is symbolic in The Great Gatsby. It shows how society has changed and how people’s values and morals have been affected. The novel focuses on how the American Dream for quick wealth has faded over time, and how people now place more value on social status than on personal integrity. In conclusion, the significance of the two Eggs in The Great Gatsby is that they symbolize social class divisions and moral decay, and how the American Dream has evolved over time.
The Connection between Gatsby and Tom’s Attitudes towards Wealth
In “The Great Gatsby,” Tom and Daisy’s mansion symbolizes the excess and superficiality of the wealthy class in the 1920s. The novel’s protagonist, Jay Gatsby, is an outsider to this world as he tries to win Daisy’s love and acceptance through his wealth and lavish lifestyle. However, the difference between Gatsby and Tom’s attitudes towards wealth is significant.
- Tom represents the old money aristocracy that views wealth as a birthright. He is born wealthy and has never experienced a life without it. For him, money and possessions are a way to maintain power and status. He flaunts his wealth through his expansive mansion, expensive cars, and fashionable clothes. He even has a mistress, Myrtle, who he keeps in a luxurious apartment.
- On the other hand, Gatsby represents the new money that is acquired through hard work and cunning. He comes from humble beginnings and reinvents himself as a wealthy man through illegal means. Unlike Tom, he views wealth as a means to an end – in his case, winning Daisy’s love and respect. He throws extravagant parties to impress Daisy and buys a mansion across the bay from hers to be closer to her.
- The difference in their attitudes towards wealth creates a tension between Gatsby and Tom that is felt throughout the novel. Tom sees Gatsby as a fraud and a threat to his power and status, while Gatsby sees Tom as a symbol of the elite class that he wants to join. This tension ultimately leads to their confrontation and Gatsby’s tragic end.
The number 9 is a significant symbol in “The Great Gatsby” that represents the illusion of wealth and material success. Gatsby’s mansion is located on West Egg, which is described as the less fashionable of the two eggs on Long Island. However, his mansion is nine acres long, which signifies that he has created an illusion of wealth and grandeur to impress Daisy.
| Symbolism of the Number 9 in “The Great Gatsby” |
|---|
| Gatsby’s Mansion is Nine Acres Long |
| Gatsby’s Parties Start at Nine |
| Daisy Calls Gatsby’s House at Nine |
The repetition of the number 9 emphasizes the illusion and extravagance that Gatsby has created to impress Daisy. It shows that his wealth and grandeur are not genuine, but a façade to win her love and acceptance. In the end, Gatsby realizes that his illusion has failed, and he cannot attain the wealth and status that Tom and Daisy represent.
The Haunting Past and Its Connection to the Present.
Tom and Daisy’s mansion in The Great Gatsby is not only a physical representation of their wealth but also a metaphor for the haunting past that continues to affect the characters and their present lives. The mansion, like the characters, is not what it seems on the surface. It is a symbol of the corruptness of the American Dream and the consequences of living solely for wealth and power.
- The mansion was built on land that was once owned by the Native Americans, who were robbed of it by the greedy white settlers. This history is an example of how the past continues to impact the present. The mansion may represent the wealth and luxury that comes with the American Dream, but it is ultimately built on a foundation of violence and theft.
- The mansion’s grand architecture and lavish interior design are used to distract from the emptiness and moral decay that exist within it. The characters themselves are also masked by their wealth and status, hiding their true selves and motivations behind a façade of materialism.
- The mansion is also a symbol of the wastefulness and excess that characterized the 1920s. The era was marked by a culture of consumerism and a desire for constant entertainment and distraction, which are reflected in the decadent lifestyle of the characters in the novel.
Overall, Tom and Daisy’s mansion represents the dark history and unhealthy mindset that pervaded America’s past and present society. It serves to remind us that the pursuit of wealth and power at the expense of others is ultimately hollow and damaging to the human spirit.
Furthermore, the characters’ inabilities to escape their past are reflected in the haunting nature of the mansion. Despite their wealth and status, they are unable to overcome the guilt of their actions and the consequences of their choices. This is exemplified in the figure of Jay Gatsby, who is haunted by the memory of his lost love, Daisy, and his inability to fully realize his dreams.
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| The Green Light | Gatsby’s dream of the future and his desire for Daisy |
| The Valley of Ashes | The moral decay and destruction of the society |
| The Eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg | The loss of spiritual values and ethical decay in society |
The symbolism of the mansion and its connection to the past is ultimately a warning against the dangers of materialism and the pursuit of illusions. The characters in The Great Gatsby are unable to escape the consequences of their actions, but their fate serves to remind us of the consequences of our own choices and the importance of living a life of integrity and purpose.
FAQs: What Does Tom and Daisy’s Mansion Symbolize?
1. What is Tom and Daisy’s mansion in The Great Gatsby?
Tom and Daisy’s mansion is a grandiose and luxurious estate in East Egg, Long Island, described as being “a cheerful red-and-white Georgian colonial mansion, overlooking the bay.”
2. What does Tom and Daisy’s mansion represent?
The mansion symbolizes the excess and hedonism of the wealthy upper class. It represents the carelessness and disregard with which the wealthy elite conducts themselves and their affairs.
3. What is the significance of the mansion’s location?
The mansion’s location in East Egg, Long Island represents the old money aristocracy, while the neighboring West Egg represents the new money. It highlights the social divide and class difference between the two.
4. What other symbols are associated with the mansion?
The mansion is also associated with the color white, which represents purity and innocence, but also emptiness and lack of substance. It is surrounded by a vast lawn, symbolizing the wealth and extravagance of the couple.
5. Why is the mansion so important to the novel?
The mansion serves as a constant reminder of the characters’ wealth and privilege. Its presence reinforces the idea of the social hierarchy that exists in the novel and the stark contrast between the lives of the rich and the poor.
6. Does the mansion represent anything else?
The mansion also represents the unattainable ideal that Gatsby has been striving for – a life of wealth, power, and status. It serves as an embodiment of the American Dream, which ultimately proves to be empty and unfulfilling.
7. How does the mansion contribute to the theme of the novel?
The mansion contributes to the overarching theme of the novel, which is the decline of the American Dream. Its opulence and extravagance are in stark contrast with the human tragedy that unfolds within its walls.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, Tom and Daisy’s mansion in The Great Gatsby is a symbol of the excess and hedonism of the wealthy elite, representing the old money aristocracy and the social divide that exists between the two. It also serves as a constant reminder of the characters’ wealth and privilege, contributing to the theme of the novel – the decline of the American Dream. Thank you for taking the time to read this article and we hope to welcome you back here again soon!