In the novel's geographic symbolism, East Egg and West Egg are contrasted to suggest that East is morally inferior and West is morally superior. Which statement best captures this depiction?

• A. East Egg is morally inferior and West Egg morally superior
• B. East Egg represents wealth and West Egg poverty
• C. East Egg is crime-prone and West Egg virtuous
• D. East Egg is tradition and West Egg modernity

Answer: (A)

This question hinges on how setting in the novel encodes moral judgment. East Egg represents old money, inherited privilege, and a social code that prizes status and appearances over accountability. The behavior of its residents—careless, self-absorbed, and willing to hurt others without consequence—signals a hollow moral world. West Egg stands for new money and self-made ambition, where people reinvent themselves and pursue dreams with energy and hope. Even when actions are morally shady, the impulse behind them is more about striving and possibility than the complacent cruelty associated with East Egg. Because the geographic contrast is used to critique the ethical atmosphere surrounding wealth and class, the statement that East is morally inferior and West morally superior best matches the depiction. Other readings capture elements of wealth or tradition, but they miss the way the setting is employed to critique carelessness, responsibility, and moral priorities across social lines.