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Essay / Features of Nick's House in The Great Gatsby
Table of ContentsThe Modest SizeThe Location in West EggThe Little LibraryConclusionBibliographyWhen reading F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic novel, The Great Gatsby, one cannot overlook importance of Nick Carraway's house. Although often overshadowed by the grandeur and extravagance of Jay Gatsby's mansion, Nick's humble abode has its own unique features that contribute to the development of the story and the portrayal of its characters. This essay will delve deeper into the description of Nick Carraway's house, exploring its key features and their implications for the narrative. Examining its modest size, its location in West Egg, and the presence of its small library, it becomes apparent that Nick's house represents his role as narrator and his position as an outsider in the world of wealth and glamour. Say no to plagiarism. . Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The Modest Size Throughout the novel, Fitzgerald repeatedly emphasizes the modest size of Nick's house. He describes it as a “little weather-beaten bungalow” (Fitzgerald 9) and notes that it is “squeezed between two huge places” (Fitzgerald 9). This deliberate choice to present Nick's house as small and unassuming highlights the stark contrast between his living situation and the opulence of his neighbors. The juxtaposition between the grand mansions of East Egg and the modest bungalow of West Egg emphasizes Nick's outsider status and relatively modest means. Additionally, the modest size of Nick's house also reflects his character. Nick is described as a reserved and introspective individual, not one to seek attention or indulge in excess. His little house reflects his personality, suggesting that he values simplicity and solitude. This characterization is crucial to the development of the story, as Nick's observant and introspective nature allows him to serve as a reliable narrator, providing a unique perspective on the events surrounding Gatsby and his world. The Location in West Egg Another important aspect of Nick's house is its location in West Egg. Unlike the more fashionable and established East Egg, West Egg is described as the less prestigious and more nouveau riche neighborhood. Nick himself recognizes the distinction between the two when he describes his house as being located in the "less fashionable" part of the peninsula (Fitzgerald 9). This choice of location further reinforces Nick's outsider status and his struggle to fit into the world of wealth and privilege. Additionally, the location of Nick's house in West Egg represents the American dream and the pursuit of success. West Egg is primarily occupied by individuals who have recently acquired their wealth through entrepreneurial activities. This fits with Nick's own aspirations, as he moves to New York to pursue a career in finance. By locating Nick's house in West Egg, Fitzgerald not only highlights the disparity between old money and new money, but also symbolizes the pursuit of the American dream and the relentless desire for upward mobility. The Little Library One of the most intriguing features of Nick's house is his little library. Fitzgerald describes it as "well used and appreciated" (Fitzgerald 9), indicating that it holds importance in Nick's life. The presence of a library in his modest home suggests that Nick is an intellectual and a man of letters. This implies that it values knowledge, introspection and the search for understanding. The small library also serves as a symbol of the role of, 1925.