Foster's Lens
According to Foster, this season often symbolizes rebirth or young love, which mirrors Gatsby’s hope in Chapter 5.
Spring
This area represents "Old Money," established wealth, and a lack of moral consequence.
East Egg
Nick’s opening advice from his father suggests he should reserve this, establishing his role as an "objective" narrator.
Judgment
This character is found in the library, marveling that Gatsby’s books are "absolutely real" but unread.
Owl Eyes
On the day of the meeting, Gatsby sends someone to Nick’s house to perform this specific labor.
Mowing the lawn
Foster notes that when characters travel here, they are usually going to "run amok" or have a moral lapse.
South
This "desolate plain" sits between West Egg and New York, representing the moral and social decay of the era.
Valley of Ashes
Unlike the traditional hero, Gatsby’s "greatness" is often debated because his wealth comes from this illegal source.
Bootlegging
Gatsby claims to have been educated at this prestigious institution, though Jordan remains skeptical.
Oxford
During the awkward initial reunion, Gatsby nearly knocks this object off Nick’s mantel.
A clock
The rain in Chapter 5 serves this Foster-ian purpose, acting as a "clean slate" before the sun comes out.
Purification/Transition
Myrtle and Tom’s apartment is located in this borough, serving as a cramped, "low-class" foil to East Egg.
Manhattan/NYC
This Modernist theme is shown through Gatsby’s constant use of "Old Sport," a phrase used to create a fake persona
Alienation/Fragmentation
In Chapter 4, Gatsby shows Nick this specific piece of evidence to prove his war record.
A Medal from Montenegro
Daisy is moved to tears not by Gatsby’s love, but by the overwhelming sight of these luxurious items.
His shirts
Foster argues that "Geography" isn't just maps; in Gatsby, the physical distance between these two Eggs represents this.
Social/Economic Class
Jordan Baker's home city, which Nick associates with the "clean, hard, limited" qualities of the Midwest.
Louisville
Prufrock and Gatsby both suffer from this—an inability to effectively communicate their internal desires.
Paralysis
Meyer Wolfsheim, Gatsby's business associate, is famously known for fixing this 1919 sporting event.
The World Series
This character, the "boarder," is recruited to play the piano for Gatsby and Daisy.
Klipspringer
Foster claims "so does the sun" matters; the change in weather at the end of Ch. 5 symbolizes this shift in the story.
The end of the "Dream" or disillusionment
Nick describes the Midwest not as a place, but as the "jagged edge of" this, explaining why he moved East.
The Universe
This specific quote by Nick at the end of Ch. 5 suggests that the idea of Daisy has finally surpassed the real Daisy.
"The colossal vitality of his illusion"
During their drive to the city, Gatsby tells a story about his family being from "the Middle West," specifically this city.
San Francisco
Gatsby tells Nick it took him exactly this many years to earn the money to buy his mansion.
Three years