What is the setting of "The Great Gatsby"?

Study for the IGCSE English Literature Test. Access flashcards, multiple choice questions, hints, and explanations. Prepare for your exam confidently!

The setting of "The Great Gatsby" is indeed Long Island and New York City during the summer of 1922. This particular time and place are crucial to understanding the themes of the novel, including the idea of the American Dream and the social dynamics of post-World War I America.

Long Island, with its opulent mansions and the contrasting working-class areas, represents the divide between old money and new money, which is a central conflict in the story. The lavish parties held by Jay Gatsby, set against the backdrop of the Jazz Age, embody the excess and moral ambiguity of this period. New York City serves as a symbol of ambition and opportunity, juxtaposed with the decay of moral values as the characters pursue wealth and status.

The specific mention of the summer of 1922 signals a time when America was experiencing significant cultural shifts, including the rise of consumerism and changing social norms. This context enhances the reader's understanding of the characters' motivations and the novel's critique of society. Options that reference other locations or time periods do not provide the same historical and social context relevant to the themes Fitzgerald explores.

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