1. Geographic Setting:
The novel is set in the Long Island suburb of West Egg, just across the water from New York City. This proximity to the city creates an immediate sense of anticipation and connection for the characters, as well as for the readers. Fitzgerald's vivid descriptions of the ferry rides and the Long Island Sound enhance the sense of movement and journey.
2. Character Mobility:
Fitzgerald's characters travel between New York City and Long Island frequently, often as a catalyst for significant plot developments. The fluidity of their movements underscores their social status and the dynamic nature of the Jazz Age. Characters use various modes of transportation, including cars, trains, ferries, and airplanes, each contributing to the novel's dynamic atmosphere.
3. Ferry Trips as Narratives:
Some of the most pivotal conversations and insights in the book take place during ferry trips between New York and West Egg. These journeys provide intimate settings for the characters to discuss their motivations, feelings, and secrets, intensifying the emotional weight of the narrative.
4. Journey Motifs:
Fitzgerald employs recurrent motifs of travel and movement to symbolize the characters' personal journeys. The movement from West Egg to New York and vice versa becomes a metaphor for the characters' quests for love, wealth, and fulfillment. The journey also represents their search for meaning in a rapidly changing and chaotic society.
5. Contrast of New York and Long Island:
Fitzgerald's nuanced depiction of New York and Long Island highlights the contrasting lifestyles and value systems of the characters. The bustling energy of New York, symbolized by the bright lights and busy streets, stands in stark contrast to the superficial tranquility and exclusivity of Long Island's wealthy enclaves. This contrast adds depth to the characters' experiences and conflicts.
Through his skillful handling of the mechanics of getting people to New York, Fitzgerald enhances the novel's themes, characters' motivations, and overall atmosphere. The journey between New York and Long Island serves as a microcosm of the characters' emotional journeys, capturing the essence of the Jazz Age and the pursuit of the American Dream.
