When Nick discusses the Midwest, he highlights its honesty and simplicity. Nick claims that people in the Midwest are more communicative, less judgemental, more accepting and more careful with money. The East, on the other hand, is identified by lavish parties, materialism, over-indulgence and judgement. People are more concerned with money and appearances. Moreover, in the East, if you have money, you show it off, and you use it to control others.