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Examples Of Marxism In The Great Gatsby

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Society has always had a big impact on how people act on a daily basis. People tend to focus on the materialistic needs to provide satisfaction, such as wealth and social class. Proletariats are controlled and manipulated by the Bourgeoisie. Which in turn, determines their values, beliefs, and behaviour in society. In the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott. Fitzgerald, there is an explicit desire to be a part of the wealthiest group as it represents a higher social class, success, and happiness. However, many of the characters contradict this ideology as they are portrayed as miserable and have little meaning in their lives. Through a Marxist perspective, this is evident throughout the characters Daisy Buchanan, Tom Buchanan, and Jay Gatsby. Daisy is from East Egg, where she has inherited her money from her family. She has always been at the top of the hierarchy, yet she remains dissatisfied. In Daisy's youth, she was crazy in love with Gatsby, but because he was poor and of a lower social class, she did not want to associate with him. Meeting with Gatsby rekindles the love they once shared in their youth, as she cries, "'They're such beautiful shirts,' […] her voice muffled in the thick folds.'It makes me sad because I've never seen such beautiful shirts before'" (Fitzgerald 92). Daisy is focused on …show more content…

Tom as a Bourgeoisie, Gatsby's conspicuous consumption, and Daisy's mean to control those who are inferior to her, all embody this concept. All these characters seem to be living their deluxe lives, but after analyzing them, it is apparent that they all yearn for a better life. Readers can understand that social class, wealth, or background one comes from it does not define one's contentment. It is imperative to surround oneself with loving, affectionate, and caring people throughout life to truly appreciate

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