Role Of Materialism In The Great Gatsby

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The Great Gatsby, written by American author, F. Scott Fitzgerald, during 1925. The novel allows the readers to experience a glance into the materialistic American lifestyle that many detained during the 1920’s era. We follow the lives of two distinct social classes; new money, also referred to as noveau riche, which labels those living in West Egg and old money signifying those living in East Egg. The 1920’s era was the height of consumer culture and conspicuous consumption. The tax cuts of the 1920’s meant that tax rates had been dropped nearly 70%. Therefore, income tax cuts stimulated an economic growth meaning that there was more than enough money to go around. Known as the era of materialism and mass consumption, society had encouraged …show more content…

For example; cars, jewels, and the newest household appliances. Gatsby once stated in Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, “I’ve got a man in England who buys me clothes. He sends over a selection of things at the beginning of each season, spring and fall.” This supports the idea that this period was deeply encouraged by materialistic and commercial beliefs. Like Gatsby and the other people in West egg, new money satirizes the empty pursuit of material wealth. The people labelled as “old money” do not have to work hard to obtain their wealth as they have inherited the money, while the people of “new money” have worked hard to acquire their wealth such as Gatsby. As we know, Gatsby was raised in a lower-class background hence meaning that the people in East Egg could not possibly like him. To gain friends and popularity, Gatsby hosts wild and extravagant parties attended by the most desired guest list. Gradually, Gatsby’s lavish parties became ‘the place to …show more content…

People were not invited – they went there.” The parties have nothing to do with Gatsby. Fitzgerald’s use of satirizing Gatsby’s party is used to make a larger statement about the 1920’s era referring to the materialistic principles so many of them had bestowed. Gatsby uses these parties in hopes to get his name into the world, in hopes of gaining Daisy’s attention. In the novel, Daisy is Gatsby’s lost love that is now married to Tom Buchannan. These parties are intended to express to Daisy that he is now financially worthy; he can now afford the luxury and society she is familiarised with. However, this attempt has failed

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