The economical standpoint in The Great Gatsby and the way characters such as Gatsby and Tom spent their money reflect how rich economy was and how others living during the 1920s spent their money. During The Roaring Twenties, “many people had extra money to spend on things other than food, housing, and other basic needs” ('Roaring Twenties' a Time of Economic and Social Change). Just like in The Great Gatsby, people living during the 1920s saw that there was more money than usual, so this became something they desired. The economy in both The Great Gatsby and the 1920s in America expanded and therefore purchasing things other than the necessities was considered true success.