Examples Of Materialism In The Great Gatsby

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In Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, all the characters are trying to become happier with their lives. The characters in the novel are divided into two groups which are the rich upper class and the poorer lower class. Otherwise known as West egg and East egg. The main characters try to make their lives better, but the American Dream that they are all trying to complete, is ruined by the unpleasant real situation or life. Although the characters in The Great Gatsby by Scott Fitzgerald have all the money one could ever want, they still live hopeless, lonely lives.
Jay Gatsby lived in North Dakota, where he was born into a very poor German American farming family. He hated how poor his family was so he moved away from his family at an early …show more content…

Gatsby is an example of materialism because of Daisy. All his wealth was only to win Daisy back and amaze her. He wanted to show her the money he has. His house is an example of this dream because it was built for Daisy. '"My house looks well doesn't it?' he demanded. 'See how the whole front of it catches the light.'" (95) Gatsby knows that Daisy didn't wait until he got back to marry him because he was poor. Since he realized that, Gatsby made it his main goal in life was to become rich and get Daisy's attention from it. Gatsby is so involved with money that he believes it is the only possible way to get Daisy back. Daisy already has everything she could ever dream for with Tom and completely ignores her feelings towards Gatsby. Money controls …show more content…

She will do whatever is best for her no matter who gets hurt. She has an affair with Gatsby because she is unhappy with her love life with Tom. Also she is in love with Gatsby but when she has to choose between the Gatsby and Tom, she chooses Tom so she can keep her expensive pearl necklace. She still truly loves Gatsby, but doesn't want to sacrifice her perfect life for him.
Tom Buchanan is a character that shows a strong bond with materialism. He has lots of old money. Since he is so wealthy he decides that he can do whatever he wants no matter who gets hurt in the process. He doesn't care if he breaks the rules. For example, he cheated on Daisy with Myrtle Wilson. Materialism has become such a problem for Tom since he is so rich. He thinks he doesn't have to face any problems because he believes money can fix it. Money fixes Daisy and Tom's relationship, and that is why they both are not happy.
Tom Buchanan is affected by money in this novel. Tom spends his money on crazy things like "a string of polo ponies for Lake Forest" (pg. 5). "It was hard to realize that a man in my own generation was rich enough to do that" (pg. 5). Although Gatsby shows his money off also, Tom is bold and respected by every man in the

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