Great Gatsby Marxist Analysis

Throughout the entirety of the book, The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, many situations occur that show the exploitation of the lower class. The Marxist or Power theory relates to the fact that whoever controls the means of production, the upper class, controls the rest of society. In the story narrated by Nick Carraway, the relationship between Tom Buchanan and Myrtle Wilson exemplifies how the wealthy and powerful take advantage of the poor. From the beginning of the novel, the upper class, represented by Tom Buchanan, is portrayed as ignorant and pompous. In the first chapter, Tom discusses a book regarding race and his opinions characterize him as being judgemental and racist. He states “It’s up to us, the dominant race, to watch out or these other races will have control of things.” (Fitzgerald 13). This event exposes a side of Tom that shows how he believes he is superior to not only those of the lower class, but also those of another race. Tom runs off of being in power, and at all times he wants to feel as if he is above everyone else. Tom’s condescension

Not only does Tom use money to resolve his problems and control his relationships, Gatsby does also. Gatsby and his dad never had a strong relationship and once Gatsby became wealthy, he felt as if he could “buy back” his dad. Nick’s conversation with Mr. Gatz included him discussing this, he said “He come out to see me two years ago and bought me the house I live in now. Of course we was broke up when he run off from home, but I see now there was a reason for it. He knew he had a big future in front of him. And ever since he made a success he was very generous with me.” (Fitzgerald 172). This demonstrates how members of the upper class used their money in an attempt to mend their relationships, when in reality they still did not have a bond or communicate with each