Short Answer 
The narrator, Nick, expresses admiration and envy for the wealthy lifestyle of East Egg, contrasting it with his own modest living conditions in West Egg. He uses specific phrases that highlight the allure of wealth and convey a longing for a higher social status, illustrating the divide between social classes.
Step 1: Analyze Key Phrases
The narrator uses phrases like “the consoling proximity of millionaires” to illustrate the allure of wealth. This expression emphasizes that being close to wealthy individuals can provide a sense of comfort or validation. Additionally, the mention of the “white palaces of fashionable East Egg glittered” showcases the glamorous lifestyle associated with affluence, drawing a stark contrast between different social classes.
Step 2: Understand the Narrator’s Perspective
Nick, the narrator, resides in West Egg, where individuals are perceived as having “new money.” His living situation highlights his longing for a higher social status. Even though he cannot afford to live in the more prestigious East Egg, his admiration for it is palpable. The word choices he utilizes suggest his desire to elevate himself within this social hierarchy.
Step 3: Contrast Descriptions of Locations
Nick describes his own home using neutral adjectives such as “small” and “partial”, reflecting a sense of modesty or resignation towards his living conditions. In contrast, his descriptions of East Egg are filled with positive imagery, employing terms like “fashionable” and “glittered”. This disparity in word choice reveals his deep-seated admiration and perhaps envy for the wealthy lifestyle he aspires to attain.