Locations in Chapter 1

In Chapter 1, we are introduced to Nick's background and current life and location. He says that his family had been a prominent, well to do people in a middle-western city for multiple generations. It's in this chapter that the distinction between the Midwest and East come into play. "Instead of being warm center of the world the middle-west now seemed like the ragged edge of the universe - so I decided to go east and learn the bond business." (p.7)  

Once in New York, Nick describes where he lives, which he describes as one of the strangest communities in North America. I think this description immediately sets off the tone for the book and causes a hint of curiosity. Twenty miles due east of New York City were a pair of peculiar eggs. Now, at first, I actually thought he was talking about gigantic egg statues and was really confused. But in actuality, the eggs happen to be two land masses that resemble identical eggs separated by the Long Island Sound. 

The "eggs" prove to be peculiar and essential to the story. Nick lives in West Egg, which he describes as the less fashionable of the two. It's home to new money and Gatsby. The values are different, the parties are grander and the tightness on funds is looser. East Egg, which is where Tom and Daisy live, is considered the more fashionable of the two. It's founded on old money and mainly revolves around status and education. 

In my opinion, I think the eggs represent the changes in the 1920's time period. West Egg represents the new generation that is breaking away from the strict, obedient lifestyle of their parents. East Egg represents those who are still stern and proper and do not want to let go of old morals and traditions.