In the first chapter of the Great Gatsby, Nick talks about some background information of the main characters, especially he talks about the places they live. In the book, Nick describes Gatsby’s mansion as a “colossal affair by any standard”. He also says the house was a factual imitation of some Hotel de Ville in Normandy…
About Tom’s mansion, Nick says, “Their house was even more elaborate than I expected, a cheerful red-and-white Georgian Colonial mansion, overlooking the bay.” Moreover, on the next page, Tom tells us that the house belonged to Demaine, the oilman.
Comparing the two mansions, the thing they share the same is that both houses are fancy and enormous. However, the difference is that, Gatsby’s house is an imitation of a grand hotel but meanwhile Tom’s house is an old building from a rich oilman.
About Tom’s mansion, Nick says, “Their house was even more elaborate than I expected, a cheerful red-and-white Georgian Colonial mansion, overlooking the bay.” Moreover, on the next page, Tom tells us that the house belonged to Demaine, the oilman.
Comparing the two mansions, the thing they share the same is that both houses are fancy and enormous. However, the difference is that, Gatsby’s house is an imitation of a grand hotel but meanwhile Tom’s house is an old building from a rich oilman.
I think it somehow can reflect the social standing and personalities of the two characters. For Tom, his social standing is just like his mansion, shows that he’s enormously wealthy. And he tends to show he’s better than everyone else and he is an arrogant person. For Gatsby, I think the reason why he built a mansion that is an imitation of a Hotel is because that’s what he dreams of. This is his American dream; he wants to become a wealthy person so that he can attract the girl he loves. He went from a poor boy, to a rich person that almost everyone knows about him. He spent years to struggle and to become rich while Tom’s enjoying his already rich life. This shows Gatsby’s personality; he is ambitious. But his social standing may not be as good as Tom’s since Tom is rich when he’s born. Gatsby is trying very hard to show he’s wealthy but meanwhile Tom doesn’t even have to try because he’s already wealthy enough.