How The Corrupted Nature Of Capitalism In The Great Gatsby

In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald expressed his criticism of the New York Jazz Age and its values through the effective use of characterization. The Roaring Twenties is a decade of tremendous wealth after World War 1 United States where economic prosperity occurred and hedonism was widely praised. Fitzgerald expressed his concerns about the Roaring Twenties through the depiction of the corrupted nature of capitalism and the futility of the American Dream, which has been represented by characters such as Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby.

Fitzgerald expressed his criticism of The Roaring Twenties by depicting the corrupted nature of capitalism through the depiction of Tom Buchanan and his lack of morality.. Tom Buchanan, who is born with huge wealth,

This is demonstrated by Tom’s comment. “It’s up to us, who are the dominant race, to watch out or these other races will have control of things.” The use of a hostile and arrogant tone emphasises Tom’s belief in the superiority of a dominant race and his moral decay. Tom’s assertion about the need for the dominant race to remain in control reveals how individuals like Tom could perpetuate social hierarchies, exposing the flaws and the moral decline of the capitalist system. In addition, Tom Buchanan’s lack of morality is also evident through Nick Carraway’s remark about him. “They were careless people, Tom and Daisy - they smashed up things and … then retreated back into their money … and let other people clear up the mess they had made.” The use of the phrase ‘smashed up things’ serves as a strong verb to elicit strong mental imagery in the reader’s head and emphasise the

The American Dream is a belief that everyone could obtain success despite what class they are born into. Jay Gatsby is a clear embodiment of the pursuit of the American Dream, as he was born poor but gained huge wealth. However, Gatsby’s rise in wealth didn’t bring him what he want — a romantic relationship with Daisy. This is evident through Nick Carraway’s remark on Gatsby. “He stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way….. And distinguished nothing except a single green light.” The use of polysyndeton in the phrase intensifies the reader’s focus and emphasises the significance of Gatsby’s actions. The object “green light” symbolises Gatsby’s aspirations for Daisy and the pursuit of the American Dream. However, the green light despite being visible to Gatsby, is out of reach from him. Gatsby is unattainable of his dream which is Daisy despite being wealthy. The futility of the American Dream is further explained by Fitzgerald through the depiction of why Gatsby loves Daisy. In fact, the true reason why Gatsby loves Daisy is because of his seeking for higher social status. This is demonstrated through Gatsby’s remark on Daisy.”Her voice is full of money.” The use of synesthesia, where Daisy’s voice is metaphorically linked with money, exposed the fact that the allure of Daisy that holds