Money In The Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald

1559 Words4 Pages

Money has always been greatly coveted throughout history, and the need for it was especially prominent in the Jazz Age of America. Fitzgerald reflected these views by making it the one thing valued the most in his novel, The Great Gatsby. Alongside the importance of money, characters choose to use their possessions as a way to rise in society, as opposed to using them for useful purposes. In The Great Gatsby, society’s value of wealth and material possessions is demonstrated through the character of Tom Buchanan, Gatsby’s motivation for achieving wealth, and East and West Eggs. Notably, Tom Buchanan exhibits behavior that aligns with these superficial values of wealth. His social status has been set in place for him, due to his wealth being …show more content…

Tom is included in the “leisure class”, meaning he is able to spend money how he pleases without manual labor. His position in this group allows him to earn respect without actually working for it. This character’s personality serves as a way to show exactly how the privileged class is idolized. Tom is evidently an immoral person; he breaks his mistress’ nose, lies to make himself look better, and is said to be hated by men at his college. Despite this, he is still able to use his power to his advantage. When reviewing these traits, it becomes clear that Tom Buchanan is not respected for his character, but rather his high position in society. Furthermore, he uses his possessions as a way to flaunt his wealth instead of having an actual use for them. This is touched on when Nick describes his negligence with money as disappointing. Tom is not only able to use his funds on frivolous things, but can also get rid of them as he needs. When it comes to troubling situations, he is able to quickly throw away money on temporary solutions and retreat back into his wealth. After reviewing the same actions from Tom and Daisy, Lena explains that “This retreat implies that …show more content…

Gatsby had fallen madly in love with her, but he was well aware that their lives were not compatible. Daisy was rich and extraordinary, while Gatsby was a poor young man. When he was eventually sent to the war and Oxford, she could no longer wait and “wanted her life shaped.immediatelyand the decision must be made by some forceof love, of money” (Fitzgerald 217). Blindsided by the force of money and the desire of a rich life, she married Tom Buchanan because she preferred to live a life of luxury. The value of money tempted Daisy, and this was the driving force behind Gatsby’s wealth. He wanted to earn her love back, so he was determined to become rich. Daisy’s virtues serve as a reflection of the society surrounding her. Money was so valuable that she was able to give up the man she loved for a life that she wanted to remain in. Similarly, the public in The Great Gatsby is drawn to wealth. Gatsby’s extravagant wealth is shown through the form of parties, where in his hope to get Daisy to visit him, many rich people attracted to his wealth come instead. They do not see Gatsby as a person; they see him as a vessel for their entertainment and rumors. Their perception of him is guided by his riches. If he wasn’t so well-off, he would not have as much attention. His material goods and belongings were used to look better, not because he truly needed

Open Document