Quote Analysis
"But the rest offended her—and inarguably, because it wasn’t a gesture but an emotion. She was appalled by West Egg, this unprecedented “place.” that Broadway had begotten upon a Long Island fishing village—appalled by its raw vigor that chafed under the old euphemisms and by the too obtrusive fate that herded its inhabitants along a short-cut from nothing to nothing. She saw something awful in the very simplicity she failed to understand." (Fitzgerald, 113-114)
Significance 1 (Reveals Daisy's Character):
- This quote illustrates Daisy's shallowness and reluctancy to experience or be a part of anything outside of her social class
- Similar to many others in her social class, she is obsessed with hedonistic values and the pursuit of personal pleasure
- This is in stark contrast to what people around her see Daisy as
- This also compares to Daisy and Gatsby's relationship, she would not be with him because he was outside of her social class, even though she loved him more than Tom
Significance 2 (Theme of Class Conflict):
- The quote portrays the East Egg resentment and distaste of West Egg
- It conveys conflict between Daisy's and Gatsby's lifestyles
- Shows that society is divided even amongst the upper class
Significance 1 (Reveals Daisy's Character):
- This quote illustrates Daisy's shallowness and reluctancy to experience or be a part of anything outside of her social class
- Similar to many others in her social class, she is obsessed with hedonistic values and the pursuit of personal pleasure
- This is in stark contrast to what people around her see Daisy as
- This also compares to Daisy and Gatsby's relationship, she would not be with him because he was outside of her social class, even though she loved him more than Tom
Significance 2 (Theme of Class Conflict):
- The quote portrays the East Egg resentment and distaste of West Egg
- It conveys conflict between Daisy's and Gatsby's lifestyles
- Shows that society is divided even amongst the upper class