The practical thing was to find rooms in the city, but it was a warm season, and I had just left a country of wide lawns and friendly trees, so when a young man at the office suggested that we take a house together in a commuting town, it sounded like a great idea. He found the house, a weather-beaten cardboard bungalow at eighty a month. Nick’s recent arrival at West Egg and his intention to stay for only a short time underscore the fact that
he is not as wealthy as his counterparts.
he has just returned from the war.
he is being supported by his family.
he is an outsider in this community.