Within The Great Gatsby, the audience perceives a summer spent through the eyes of Nick. As Nick, we witness the tragic love story of Gatsby and Daisy, as well as another story, hidden in the context of the many encounters and conversations held; the wealth of the Roaring Twenties. Many of the characters show an interesting aspect of the wealth brought upon by the Roaring Twenties, and how it has affected them. Several characters are exceptional examples, including Myrtle, Tom, Gatsby, and Nick himself. One who walked the border of social classes was Myrtle. Myrtle is the wife of a poor mechanic; George Wilson. Myrtle, while not experiencing a severe or otherwise drastic change in her economic position, certainly aspires to elevate it based …show more content…
Born James Gatz, his economic turn began before the story even began; when Gatsby was 17. He was a poor, and ambitious boy, and a passing millionaire took notice of this, along with “James Gatz’s” first impression, he was hired. Gatsby’s tastes, and ideology remain fixed on his desires of wealth from here on out. Even as the modern Jay Gatsby, his ideology is ever present; to do whatever it takes to live lavishly. Of course, this dramatic change and ambition was met with a crushing defeat when his employer died, and his days of wealth were squandered. That is, until Gatsby enterprises in bootlegging, where his fortune sprouts once again, and his ambition is sated for the time being. Of course, when Daisy, a lost love, enters his life, this ambition changes to please her. Unfortunately for Gatsby, Daisy chooses Tom over him. Gatsby proves to be the embodiment of the rags to riches story of self-made wealth which was a common symbol of the wealth found throughout the roaring twenties. Gatsby, through Daisy’s decision, also provides a juxtaposition between the wealthy classes; Gatsby’s self-made wealth which throws lavish parties and pleases masses, and Tom’s wealth which provides for himself, his interests, and no