IndexIntroductionBodyConclusionIntroductionWest Egg, one of the two main settings of F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby, is a place that is often described as a land of wealth and extravagance. However, beneath its glamorous facade, West Egg also hides some complexities and contradictions of the American dream. This essay will explore the portrayal of West Egg in the novel, particularly examining its portrayal as a place of wealth and poverty. By analyzing various aspects of West Egg, including its inhabitants, their lifestyles, and the symbolism associated with the place, this essay aims to shed light on the multifaceted nature of wealth and the pursuit of happiness in the Jazz Age. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Body One of the ways West Egg is described as a place of wealth is through its residents. The characters who live in this fictional Long Island neighborhood are often depicted as part of the "new money" class, individuals who have recently acquired their fortunes. Jay Gatsby, the enigmatic protagonist, is a great example of this. Despite his mysterious background, Gatsby is known for throwing extravagant parties and living in a large mansion, showing off his newly acquired wealth. However, the portrayal of West Egg as a place of wealth goes beyond just Gatsby. Other characters, such as Tom and Daisy Buchanan, also reside in West Egg and are depicted as part of the wealthy elite. Their lavish lifestyle and reckless spending further reinforces West Egg's image as a neighborhood of the wealthy. In addition to the depiction of its residents, the symbolism associated with West Egg also contributes to its portrayal as a place of wealth. Throughout the novel, West Egg is often contrasted with its neighboring town, East Egg. While West Egg is the home of those with "new money", East Egg is inhabited by individuals who come from "old money". This juxtaposition highlights the distinction between those who inherited wealth and those who earned it through their own efforts. West Egg, with its flashy parties and ostentatious displays of wealth, represents the brash and nouveau riche, while East Egg represents the aristocratic and established. This symbolic contrast reinforces the idea that West Egg is a place associated with wealth and prosperity. However, beneath the surface of glamor and extravagance, West Egg is also described as a place of hidden poverty. Despite their outward displays of wealth, many of West Egg's characters are burdened with financial hardship. It turns out that Gatsby, for example, accumulated his wealth through illegal activities such as bootlegging. His luxurious lifestyle is ultimately a facade to win the love of Daisy Buchanan, the woman he has been obsessed with for years. This revelation highlights the underlying poverty of Gatsby's existence, as his wealth is built on a foundation of deceit and crime. Additionally, the recurring motif of the “valley of ashes,” a desolate and impoverished area located between West Egg and New York City, serves as a reminder of the harsh realities that coexist with the opulence of West Egg. This juxtaposition forces the reader to question the true nature of wealth and the sacrifices made to obtain it. The portrayal of West Egg as a place of both wealth and poverty ultimately serves to challenge the notion of the American Dream. On the one hand, West Egg represents the possibility of achieving wealth and success through hard work and determination. Gatsby, as a self-made man, embodies this ideal and becomes a symbol of hope for others,.