Examples Of Materialism In The Great Gatsby

From the start of human history, almost every individual craves and possesses an unquenchable thirst for desires, be it in any shape or form. Greed and avarice may manifest - amplifying one’s desire for a wide array of materials. If the desire is strong enough within one, then it may lead to the act of falsifying a scenario in order to obtain such wants. Of course, this does not come without consequence. Repercussions are absolutely imminent for those who partake in the fabrication of untrue occurrences, and those repercussions include physical, mental, or emotional punishments. This is directly illustrated in Scott F. Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, in which the underlying theme of materialistic retribution is extremely evident.
A

malicious yearning for materialism can develop from a multitude of instances, but it must start with a desire. For Gatsby, this desire is the constant accomplishments, affluence, and physical assets.

Gatsby’s urges for triumphs and opulence sprouts from a young age, as in the past, Gatsby was “Resting on his oars and looking up at the railed deck, the yacht represented all the beauty and glamour in the world” (Fitzgerald 106). Learning that the only way for a happy life is through securing physical treasures, he forcefully pushes himself to obtain these through achievements - doing anything he can to ensure victory. Gatsby’s form of materialism is the obtainment of wealth. On the other hand, Mr. Wilson’s configuration of desire is through the preservation of his and Myrtle’s marriage - despite the failing properties it retains on Myrtle’s behalf. Delusionally, Mr. Wilson fails to realize the deterioration of the marriage, and despite his low income, continues to care and nurture his wife. Whilst speaking with Tom, Mr. Wilson states that “I need money pretty bad, and I was wondering what you were going to with your old car … My wife and I want to get away” (Fitzgerald 130). This illustrates that although his budget is extremely tight, that he still supports and yearns to conserve his unification with Myrtle. Myrtle,

on the contrary, simply despises Wilson due to his low status and lack of desirable earnings. Wilson’s infatuation ties in with his strong want in the sense of an efficient marriage with Myrtle. Finally, Daisy’s sense of desire is rather similar to Gatsby’s. What makes it different, however, is the fact that she longs for Gatsby - solely for his immense wealth. While enduring an encounter with Gatsby, she swoons over his regal and expensive clothing articles, crying that “They’re such beautiful shirts … It makes me sad because I’ve never seen such - such beautiful shirts” (Fitzgerald 98). Even though she’s in Gatsby’s presence during her dialogue, she seemingly neglects him, as the opulent shirts obviously distract her from the scenario. From this, it is quite clear that she only desires Gatsby’s possessions and not for who he truly is. Her reconciliation is only due to the fact that Gatsby has more materialistic objects in comparison to Tom. Ultimately, this indicates that Daisy’s true desire is a rich, lavish man who will partake in sharing his fortune with her. Materialism may take form in the facade of desires, be it through opulence, preservation of happiness, and potentially manipulating an individual for wealth.
In order to obtain certain desires, acquiring prerequisites is mandatory - and some of these undergo forgement from false pretenses or lies.

For example, Gatsby is a prime candidate for misleading his past experiences that explain his extensive fortunes. Since he participates in illegal activities such as bootlegging, he has no choice but to betray the truth in order to safeguard his successes and funds. In a verbal exchange with Nick, Gatsby tells him that “I’ll tell you in God’s truth … I am the son of some wealthy people in the Middle West - all dead now” (Fitzgerald 68). Evidently, this is a dishonest veneer, as Gatsby’s authentic procurement of wealth originates from the treacherous selling of illegal alcoholic beverages. Identically, The Wilson’s are also subjects of embroidering falsification - specifically Myrtle. Contrary to Mr. Wilson, the legitimate reason as to why she remains within the marriage is because she harbors the underlying craving of materials, but is not picky on who nurtures her itch. Amidst a conversation with a fellow friend, Myrtle details that she only “married him because I thought he was a gentleman … I thought he knew something about breeding, but he wasn’t fit to lick my shoe “ (Fitzgerald 37). Unfortunately, Myrtle does not wish to reciprocate the feelings that Wilson supplies to her within their wedlock. Myrtle’s participation in a one-sided consortium allows for her to remove any negative feelings that associate with her actions of

adultery while with Tom. Myrtle and Gatsby are not the only ones guilty of fraudulent actions. Daisy must also take culpability, as she is not free of this hurtful activity. Since Daisy wishes to wed to a man of high stature and social class, she prioritizes her own lust for a lavish life over her partner’s needs and wants. At one point, she confesses her true feelings towards Gatsby, by claiming that she “did love [Tom] once - but I loved you too” (Fitzgerald 140). Daisy’s appetite for goods never reaches satisfaction, thus, she decides to manipulate both Tom and Gatsby - doubling her source of plenitude. Essentially, Daisy’s form of false fabrication comes from her exploitation of two men. In the long run, multiple cases of erroneous forgery must undergo utilization - be it lying, manipulating marriages, or through manipulation of individuals - in order to obtain a sufficient amount of benefactory desires.
Desires and falsification are not without punishment, and reverberations are absolutely unavoidable. The longing for materialism is a cruel and draining path to take, as such is seen directly with Gatsby’s unfortunate demise. Obviously, his own ignorance and superiority complex is the true catalyst which triggered his downfall. To elaborate, Gatsby allows Daisy to drive his opulent yellow car - in order to show off his wealth - and this decision catalyzes Myrtle’s death, as Daisy mistakenly hits her. Wilson decides to shoot Gatsby whilst he lounges in the pool. Nick converses with Gatsby’s father over the phone, saying that “Mr. Gatsby’s dead” (Fitzgerald 117). Gatsby’s extinction is the product of a constant hunger for covetous personality, as he knowingly allows Daisy to absorb the expensive car, which also allows Daisy to fancy Gatsby more. In accordance with The Wilsons, Myrtle falls victim to Daisy’s reckless driving, and this event causes Mr. Wilson’s grasp on reality to falter, and results in his mind to warp into a hysteric state. A few hour after Myrtle’s death, Wilson and Michaelis speak in a deep conversation, and Wilson details that “God sees everything” however, Michaelis states “that’s an advertisement” (Fitzgerald 170). Under the heavy illusion that T.J Eckleburg's advertisement is the eyes of god, Wilson develops a mass delirium, and begins to believe that God has given him the task of eliminating whomever harmed his wife. Sadly, this individual was none other than Gatsby. Wilson’s realization that his wife is dead results in his turn to insanity, as he sought to preserve the failing marriage as best he could. Ensuring that his wife’s death is not unjustified, he slaughters Gatsby under the wrong impression. Next in order, Daisy’s repercussion is none other than emotional withdrawal and negligence. Days after Gatsby’s death, Daisy refuses to acknowledge or interact with anything that was associating with him - and this includes Nick. After prevalently hearing about Gatsby’s bereavement, Daisy “hadn’t sent a message or flower” (Fitzgerald 186). For someone so close to Gatsby, it’s odd for someone to ignore the individuals death. However, Daisy cuts ties to people or objects that has to do with Daisy, considering her wishes of sumptuous living was not fulfilled to her liking. Therefore, her manipulative nature back lashes her, and causes her to receive emotional trauma through disassociation with others. All in all, severe materialism - be it in many forms - ultimately causes a multitude of punishments such as death, craziness, or even withdrawal.
Materialistic retribution is constantly forthcoming, and absolutely unavoidable. Gatsby’s craving for treasure and successes and lying about his past results in his death. Mr. Wilson’s thirst for a happy marriage - despite its flaws - and continuing this tradition, produces his craze for justice. Lastly, Daisy’s insatiable appetite for rich men causes her to emanate an emotional punishment. Thus, materialism is a gamble to participate in, as it can cause a wide array of gruesome outcomes.