How does New Jersey symbolize American culture for the narrator?

"The Light at the End of the Tunnel" describes the narrator's love-hate relationship with New Jersey. The gaudiness of New Jersey reflects for the character the messy, low nature of mankind. Even the upper-crust New Jersey party is invaded by mosquitoes. No one is able to rise above nature and be better than base, animal humanity. This idea of New Jersey is also how the narrator views American culture.