analysis of The Great Gatsby
...n 1918, the decay of moral and social value was rampant, as was the pursuit of pleasure, greed and cynicism. Gatsby’s parties and “orange pulps and lemon rinds” are the epitome of the corruption of the American dream and the desire for money, pleasure, and excess. Nick and Gatsby have fallen victim to the cynicism caused by the war. They show the clash between the old and new money, West Egg and East Egg. The West Egg symbolizes the self made rich. These people are seen as gaudy, vulgar and lacking in social graces and taste. This can be seen in Gatsby and the ostentatiousness of his mansion. Although the people from the west are not held in as high regard, they are more connected to traditional social values and ideals. Those living on the East Egg are seen to have taste and grace. This is demonstrated by the Buchanan's tasteful home. The valley of ashes is caused by the dumping of industries. It represents the moral and social decay that results from the unrelenting pursuit of wealth. The eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg are seen as God’s eyes judging American society. He sees how Gatsby is involved with bootlegging, an illega...