How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Section.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Through a maze of these rooms the two boys wandered. Sometimes the floor under their feet would flame in brilliant patterns from lighting below, patterns of barbaric clashing colors, of pastel delicacy, of sheer whiteness, or of subtle and intricate mosaic, surely from some mosque on the Adriatic Sea. Sometimes beneath layers of thick crystal he would see blue or green water swirling, inhabited by vivid fish and growths of rainbow foliage. Then they would be treading on furs of every texture and color or along corridors of palest ivory, unbroken as though carved complete from the gigantic tusks of dinosaurs extinct before the age of man… (2.31)
Passages like this one bring in the concept of civilization and evolution. Where does this château stand in the great evolution of man's history?
Quote #5
The father of the present Mr. Washington had been a Virginian, a direct descendant of George Washington, and Lord Baltimore. (4.2)
This is an important moment in the story, as it roots the Washington family firmly in the history of the development of America. The story of their establishment and success becomes a parallel to the story of American's larger history.
Quote #6
There was no alternative—he must market his mountain in secret. He sent South for his younger brother and put him in charge of his colored following—darkies who had never realized that slavery was abolished. To make sure of this, he read them a proclamation that he had composed, which announced that General Forrest had reorganized the shattered Southern armies and defeated the North in one pitched battle. The negroes believed him implicitly. They passed a vote declaring it a good thing and held revival services immediately. (4.7)
The Washington fortune was made on the backs of slaves who were exploited for their ignorance. It sounds like Fitzgerald might be making a point about the history of this country, as well.