Social Classes In The Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald

The American Dream has been a driving force behind countless success stories and a symbol of hope for generations. But what does it truly mean to achieve the American Dream? Is it about wealth and fame, or is it something deeper, rooted in the values of hard work, perseverance, and opportunity? In the novel, The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, there are multiple events that show classism where characters put others down based on their money status. Fitzgerald exposes the destructive nature of the American Dream by demonstrating how the pursuit of wealth, social status, and the illusion of the perfect life can lead to moral decay, broken relationships, and the disillusionment of the dream, revealing that the pursuit of material

In the novel, one of the characters, Nick Carraway, receives advice from his father that highlights the disparity between the social classes. He tells Nick, "Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had" (Fitzgerald 1). This quote suggests that people's socioeconomic status can greatly affect their opportunities and experiences in life. The quote implies that people's access to resources and opportunities is shaped by their social class. Those born into a privileged class have better chances in life than those born into lower classes. This idea is further supported by the portrayal of the characters in the novel, where the wealthy are shown to have more opportunities for success, while the poor are often limited by their circumstances. Another quote from the novel, "Well, this would interest you. It wouldn't take up much of your time, and you might pick up a nice bit of money. It happens to be a rather confidential sort of thing," (Fitzgerald 83). Shows how social class can influence behavior. In this instance, a character is attempting to entice another character, who he assumes needs money, into doing something questionable in exchange for financial gain. This quote demonstrates how financial need can lead people to make choices that are not always ethical or moral.

The character of Gatsby is known for his extravagant parties, his wealth, and his glamorous lifestyle. However, in a conversation with Nick Carraway, Gatsby admits, "Do you always watch for the longest day of the year and then miss it? I always watch for the longest day in the year and then miss it" (Fitzgerald 13). This quote reveals how despite his luxurious life, Gatsby is still unsatisfied and unable to appreciate the simple pleasures in life. The pursuit of an illusion of a perfect life can lead to a sense of emptiness and lack of fulfillment. People often think that wealth, status, and fame will bring them happiness, but they end up feeling lost and disillusioned. This lack of fulfillment can lead to moral decay as individuals become desperate to find meaning and satisfaction in their lives, often turning to immoral or illegal means to achieve it. Another quote from the novel, "I felt a haunting loneliness sometimes, and felt it in others - young clerks in the dusk, wasting the most poignant moments of night and life" (Fitzgerald 38), shows how the pursuit of an illusion of a perfect life can cause individuals to miss out on genuine human connections and meaningful experiences. The quote highlights how individuals who prioritize material wealth and status over genuine human connections can end up feeling lonely and isolated. This sense of isolation can