"This is a valley of ashes-a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens, where ashes take the forms of houses and chimneys and rising smoke..." (pg. 27)
As Nick went to the city with Tom one day, he described a valley of ashes about half way between the West Egg and New York. It is a piece of desolate land where industrial ashes were dumped. Above is Nick's description of the grey land and the dust above it. This valley of ashes is a symbol of the decay of the American dream. The extremely wealthy people indulge themselves for pleasure with no regard for anyone else, which led to the decay. I think its location between the West Egg and New York also help reinforce the idea of social and moral decay because people viewed the city as an opportunity for money and pleasure. Wealthy people would live lavish lives on the West Egg and go into the city for more pleasure. The valley of ashes between these two place represent how people's pursuit of wealth lead to the decay of the American dream for the poor or middle class.
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