Time, Geography, and Morality in The Great Gatsby

The video discusses Gatsby's complex relationship with time, highlighting his desire to erase five years from his life and Daisy's. It emphasizes the significance of time in the novel, with numerous references to it. The narrative also explores the influence of the West on the characters, suggesting a shared deficiency that makes them unadaptable to Eastern life. The Midwest, representing core American values, contrasts with the East's materialism, ultimately leading to a moral divide. The story concludes with characters returning to their roots, symbolizing a rejection of Eastern immorality.

How does the East's materialism affect the characters in the novel?

What does Nick's return to the Midwest symbolize at the end of the novel?