Valley of Ashes

The Valley of Ashes is a desolate, industrial wasteland depicted in F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby." It lies between West Egg and New York City and symbolizes moral decay, societal neglect, and the negative consequences of greed and materialism. The area is characterized by ashes, grime, and poverty, serving as a stark contrast to the wealth of the characters. It functions as both a literal location and a metaphor for the corrupting influence of excess, reminding readers of the moral and social costs beneath the glittering surface of the American Dream.