Choose a novel or short story in which the setting in time and/or place is important to your understanding of the text - Scottish Highers English - Question 6 - 2018

The story is set in the 1920s in America, primarily in the fictional East Egg and West Egg areas of Long Island. This time period, known as the Jazz Age, is characterized by economic prosperity, social change, and cultural upheaval. The contrast between the lavish lifestyles of the characters and the underlying moral decay of society is vividly depicted through the setting.

The setting serves as a reflection of the characters' desires and the societal norms of the time. For instance, Jay Gatsby's extravagant parties symbolize the excess and superficiality of the era. Additionally, the geographic divide between East Egg and West Egg illustrates class distinctions and the American Dream's disillusionment. Without understanding the significance of the setting, readers might miss the commentary on social dynamics and the critique of the American Dream that Fitzgerald offers.