The valley of ashes between West Egg and New York City consists of a long stretch of desolate land created by the dumping of industrial ashes. It represents the moral and social decay that results from the uninhibited pursuit of wealth, as the rich indulge themselves with regard for nothing but their own pleasure. The valley of ashes also symbolizes the plight of the poor, like George Wilson, who live among the dirty ashes and lose their vitality as a result.
Peter van Pels was 15 years old when he had to go into hiding with his parents. They arrived at the hiding place one week after the Frank family. Peter was the only boy in the Secret Annex.
