Effects Of Money In The Great Gatsby

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More Money More Problems
“Let me tell you about the very rich. They are very different from you and me.” - F. Scott Fitzgerald. In The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote about the lavish lives people had during the roaring twenties, and it’s devastating consequences. The story followed millionaire Jay Gatsby while he was determined to repeat the past in order to win back his married lover, Daisy Buchanan. However, Fitzgerald was right when he said rich people live life differently, and the one thing they all have in common is at the center of their habits: vast amounts of money. In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald shows the brutal effects money has on people, ultimately corrupting them.
To be from old money means to been born into a family with established wealth and power, and Tom Buchanan was exactly that. Due to years of entitlement, Tom grew to be a very controlling, aggressive man, and the way he treated people reflected his personality. For example Tom 's wife, Daisy, was valued like a trophy, instead of a loved one. His lack of compassion led to his numerous affairs because people with new money were used to getting everything they wanted. Daisy was born into the same world of privilege as well. Her heart often chose things of high worth and value, instead of real love and emotion. For instance, Daisy refused to marry Gatsby when he was penniless due to his low status. Unaware of the consequences their decisions made, the Buchanan´s were described by Nick as,