FAQ About The Great Gatsby

The Valley of Ashes is a significant symbol in "The Great Gatsby" that represents the moral and social decay of America during the Roaring Twenties. The valley is a barren wasteland located between West Egg and New York City, and it is described as a "desolate area of land" where "ashes grow like wheat." The ashes are a byproduct of the industrialization and urbanization of America, and they represent the destruction of nature and the exploitation of the working class.

The valley also represents the emptiness and decay of the American Dream, which promises success and happiness through hard work and determination. The characters in the novel pursue this dream, but they are ultimately consumed by their desires and end up causing destruction and tragedy. The Valley of Ashes serves as a reminder of the consequences of this pursuit, and as a warning of the dangers of the unchecked pursuit of wealth and status.