The town of East Egg was inspired by F. Scott Fitzgerald’s time staying in Great Neck, NY. There is a common misconception that F. Scott Fitzgerald was inspired by the home of Herbert Bayard Swope, titled Land’s End, while he was a guest at the mansion. Some historians say this home could have served as inspiration for the Buchanans’ mansion in the novel. The problem with this account is that Fitzgerald left Great Neck for Paris in 1924, which is prior to Swope’s ownership of the mansion. So not only is there no evidence that Fitzgerald ever visited this mansion, but the way it is described in the novel doesn’t match the appearance of this mansion which was bulldozed in 2011.

The East and West Egg in Fitzgerald’s novel represent Cow Neck and Great Neck respectively, two peninsulas near Nassau County which border Manhasset Bay. Daisy’s residence in the novel is meant to be located at Sands Point East Egg, which is a village at the end of Cow Neck.

Fitzgerald and his wife, Zelda, moved to Great Neck in the fall of 1922. Although the less fashionable of the two municipalities, it was still a hub of high society. During his time there, Fitzgerald would write by day and party by night with society elites and celebrities. Not only did the town, extravagant parties, and stunning homes serve as inspiration for The Great Gatsby, but he actually completed three chapters of the book during his time there.

Due to the fact that too much of his income was being spent on partying, however, he and his wife decided to move to the French Riviera in 1924. In France, Fitzgerald wrote the remaining chapters of The Great Gatsby in roughly six months.

When it comes to which of the many elegant mansions served as the inspiration for Gatsby’s, it is likely a few different mansions provided the inspiration and many historians have differing opinions on which house it is. One such house was the one that Fitzgerald’s friend, Herbert Swope, actually owned at the time. Fitzgerald’s best friend in town and fellow writer, Ring Lardner, lived next door to Swope’s current home which was a large gothic-inspired mansion which was said to have a constant string of parties. Although the homes aren’t architecturally similar, Fitzgerald did cite Swope as a source of inspiration for the book later.

Another possible source of inspiration for the Gatsby mansion was Harbor Hill, which held one of the most extravagant parties in the roaring twenties in 1924. Although Gatsby and Zelda had already left for France by that time, they did reportedly attend a party there in 1923.

Beacon Towers is another lavish mansion that has been speculated to have inspired Fitzgerald during his time in Great Neck. This home was originally designed by a widowed Vanderbilt and modeled Blair Castle in Scotland. Complete with turrets, this home has an old-fashioned elusiveness that works well for the narrative and character of Gatsby.

Finally, there is Kings Point which is located at the end of what is now aptly named Gatsby Lane. During Fitzgerald’s time there, it was the home of Richard Church of the Arm & Hammer Baking Soda family. Very strangely, after it was bought by elderly widow Majorie Brickman Kern in 1951, it resulted in a feud between her two sons in the 1990s. This battle over their inheritance came to a head with Jennifer Eley, wife of John F. Handler, being found dead in the pool. Spooky, right?

The post Locations in Literature: The Great Gatsby appeared first on Dorrance Publishing Company.

1) The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

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One of the classics we all had to read in high school, all you need really need is a giant A to pin to your chest and you’re good to go!

2) Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen

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A classic couple’s costume comes from one of the greatest romances of all time, Pride and Prejudice. Getting dressed up as your favorite romance couple, Elizabeth and Darcy, is fun and also simple. You’ll love role-playing as this classic romantic duo- most ardently.

3) Coraline by Neil Gaiman

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Not only is the book a classic, but the 2009 movie adaptation truly brought this character to life. Spend your Halloween in the bright colored outfit of this dark protagonist!

4)The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

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One of the easiest costumes on the list by far comes from the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic The Great Gatsby! If you’re looking for a great couples costume, all he’ll need is a suit and all you’ll need is a flapper dress and presto- Daisy and Jay!

5) Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

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A classic brought to life through the hit show on HBO, there’s truly no limit to the number of different characters and costumes you could put together from this series. Don’t be afraid to get creative with it.

6) Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

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Whether you decide to go with a member of the trio or go a little more out there and dress up as a Veela from Beauxbatons Academy, this is another series with endless costumes to choose from. Just pick your favorite and Accio!

7) The Princess Bride by William Goldman

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From page to screen as well, this book is among the top ten list of a wide variety of readers. You could go with this very simply made couples costume or even if you’re going to a party with friends, you could dress as the classic trio- Fezzik, Inigo, and Vizzini. Inconceivable!

8) Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

Recently revived by the award-winning Hulu show, this simple costume is a great choice for a group of book-loving girlfriends.

9) A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L’Engle

There haven’t been many costume adaptations of these three quite yet, but the recent successful film will no doubt change that this year. These costumes are more complex, but for a group of crafty girlfriends, it’s a great way to celebrate a classic YA book.

10) Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare

So many Shakespeare characters to choose from, but Romeo and Juliet are likely the most recognizable of the bunch. If you aren’t doing Halloween as a couple, though, may we recommend carrying a skeleton around and going for the Hamlet angle instead?

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