Which description of the setting best shows a connection with the symbols and themes of the novel? ( the great gatsby ) the novel takes place in los city of angels. the novel's action begins at the start of summer, when life is in its fullest bloom, and ends at the start of autumn. the east egg is considered flashy by the "old money" people who live in the west egg. the novel ends in the valley of ashes because gatsby's life goes up in smoke.