How Is Money Presented In The Great Gatsby

Jonathan Rosenquist Mrs. D Advanced ELA 7 May, 2024 The Character of Money Hook. Throughout the story, The Great Gatsby, the author Fitzgerald used characters to show that how one sees money is how one lets money affect them. The reader can see this through many of the characters throughout the story. The main characters that we will be discussing are Gatsby, Nick, and the beloved couple Daisy and Tom. Throughout the story, these characters are used to develop not only the story but also the reader's thoughts. Starting with the main character, Gatsby. Gatsby sees money as a form of power and status. He believes that his money will be enough to earn him things, feelings, or people that he wants in his life, such as Daisy. Gatsby is a character

Once Gatsby returns, Daisy is swept up by her husband Tom. Gatsby takes this hard, he gains a fortune and then he lives the luxury style of life he does now in response to this hurt. Gatsby is so obsessed with Daisy that “Gatsby bought that house so that Daisy would be just across the bay” (Fitzgerald 78). He doesn’t just move there to be near Daisy though. By moving here, it allows more interactions and opportunities for him and Daisy to meet or for him to have Daisy see his success. Gatsby thinks he can win her back by showing her his success. For example, it is said that “He (Gatsby) wants her (Daisy) to see his house”. This further instills in the reader that he is trying to wave his status to Daisy, trying to earn her back. He sees it as almost right for him. Gatsby is also seen throughout the story doing things to show Daisy his money, such as hosting parties at his very large home. While talking about Gatsby, it is inferred by Jordan that “I think he half expected her to wander into one of his parties, some night,. but she never did. MORE LATER” (Fitzgerald 79). Fitzgerald uses Gatsby to show how one can see money as power and