What is symbolic about the locations of the confrontation?

Tom, desperate to pick a fight with Gatsby, forces the entire party to drive into New York. Gatsby and Daisy drive in Tom's car, while Nick, Jordan, and Tom drive in Gatsby's. New York serves as a flashpoint where the worlds of East Egg, West Egg, and the valley collide. The stick heat of New York provides the setting where social-class, history, and personalities combust.