This Side of Paradise

One of the novel’s key symbols is Princeton University. During his time in Minneapolis, Amory becomes aware of the social expectations of his class, including attending preparatory school and college. In his first conversation with Darcy, Amory shares his desire to attend Princeton because he thinks it’s “lazy and good-looking and aristocratic” (31, emphasis added) to do so. Thus, Amory wants to attend the university for the status and appearance it will give him. Once on campus, he becomes enraptured with the social hierarchy inherent in the university’s organization. He wants to attend the best clubs, write for the campus publication, and do everything he can to boost his status among the campus elite. Academic pursuits mean little to Amory, who cares more for the symbolic function of the school than the fact it’s an institution of higher learning.

As Amory’s time at Princeton progresses, the symbolism behind the university changes. By the end of his second year, Amory has reached the pinnacle of success by being voted into the most prestigious club. He feels genuinely happy and has little concern in life now that he has attained his goal of social superiority. However, his break-up with Isabelle diminishes his ascension, and the university he once loved becomes a burden and a symbol of missed opportunity and stolen happiness.