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Analysis Of The Book ' The Great Gatsby '

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The “Roaring Twenties” is an era in American history characterised by a vast increase in wealth, especially among the middle class. It was during this time period that the “American Dream,” truly became a reality for many people in the United States. The novel The Great Gatsby documents this time period with a precise attention to the culture clash that resulted from this era. This culture clash is emphasised by the climax of the novel, with a conflict between Gatsby and Tom Buchanan. The division of East and West Egg due to geographic and sociopolitical factors provides the initial preconceptions necessary to spark the main conflict of the novel between Tom Buchanan and Gatsby.

The most important fact in establishing a cultural division between East and West Egg is the proof that the inhabitants in each of these regions share very different attitudes and historical backgrounds. The obvious truth that these regions are decidedly opposite is discussed in the opening pages of the novel, “To the wingless a more arresting phenomenon is their dissimilarity in every particular except shape and size (Fitzgerald 7).” The concept of “new money” compared to “old money” is a near constant theme throughout the novel. Tom Buchanan represents the “old money,” having come from a history of wealth, “His family were enormously wealthy—even in college his freedom with money was a matter for reproach (Fitzgerald 8).” This is in contrast to the “new money,” who are self-made, such as Gatsby.

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