In many novels and plays, contrasting places symbolize opposing forces that are important to the meaning of the work. These places have different standards and tend to conflict with each other. In The Great Gatsby, F Scott Fitzgerald does this with the two towns: East and West Egg. These towns each have contrasting components that represent the meaning of the novel. Fitzgerald shows the differences of East and West Egg, what each town represents, and finally how the contrast shows the meaning of the work.

There are many differences between the towns of East and West Egg, however most of the differences are social standings and money. One difference between East and West Eggers is how their residents were made all of their money. Eastern Eggers are said to be old money. Their families have been rich for generations so they are born into wealth. Nick explains Toms...