Danita Wolmarans AP English 12 Bean March 22, 2023 Analysis of The Great Gatsby The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is a pure representation of how economically divided New York was in the roaring twenties. The novel starts off with Nick describing the differences evidently seen when comparing East and West Egg. Both sides are rich in wealth, but a visible split between new and old money. Fitzgerald develops characters who become desperate for wealth and class, as well as involving those who attempt to gain respect for their lack of wealth. The novel demonstrates how the desire for money can quickly become destructive when the motivations and choices reflect the need to gain more. In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald shows …show more content…
Gatsby dreams of the day Daisy will become part of his life, and the possibility of a relationship drives his financial decisions. Nick sees him reaching for the far green light across the bay, a virtually unattainable yet dreamy outlook on his future with her in it. Daisy rejects Jay Gatsby's love because of his poor financial situation. Gatsby, desperate for her attention, finds ways to make money to win Daisy back for himself, hoping materialistic success will change her mind. While Tom and Gatsby have attained much wealth, Gatsby displays wealth through flashy parties and large pools, all significantly over the top. Gatsby's character believes the only way to receive Daisy's love is through money before realizing how even money can not grant her affection. Gatsby makes his effects clear to Daisy, but his expectations of her to love him back are far too high. The broken clock upon their first meeting foreshadows the futile expectation of rekindling their love by retracing time. The only proof of his dedication and passion for Daisy was through his wealth as if wealth was a substitute for love itself. Not only does Gatsby strive to have wealth to please her, but he finds her affluence of money attractive, explaining how "Her voice is full of money," he said suddenly. That was it. I'd never understood before. It was …show more content…
Myrtle grasps onto the idea of attaining a higher wealth and status, like Tom and Daisy. Her affair with Tom is a symbol of her longing for materialistic security. Daisy is a prime example of wealth. A woman who lives luxuriously and has a husband who is financially providing, which is everything Myrtle wants. Desperate to fit into the crowd, Myrtle and Tom discuss her right to mention Daisy's name. She reacts by mockingly yelling, "'Daisy! Daisy! Daisy!' shouted Mrs. Wilson. 'I'll say it whenever I want to! Daisy! Dai – 'Making a short deft movement, Tom Buchanan broke her nose with his open hand." (Fitzgerald 41). Tom sees right through Myrtle's desperate attempts to fit in yet reminds her of her status and status by slapping her in front of everyone. Myrtle also creates a new persona to fit in socially with the rest of the group by mimicking the attitudes of the wealthy. Myrtle wants Tom to buy her the puppy on the streets because it exhibits their adulterous relationship. She believes the puppy acts as a symbol of how their relationship extends further than materialistic things. Myrtle is not the type to care for the dog, yet she mimics those of the wealthy by making reckless purchases to show off. Myrtle might love Tom, but the expensive luxuries are much more motivating to continue their relationship.