In F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby," the pursuit of wealth and the corrupting influence it can have on individuals is a well-known theme. Set in the 1920s, a time of unpredicted economic growth and excess, the novel portrays a world where natural wealth is often equated with personal wealth. The characters in the novel are obsessed with wealth and status, to the point where it becomes a tunnel vision that can cause them to overlook other important aspects of life, such as love, relationships, and overall morality.
One character who exemplifies this theme is Jay Gatsby himself. Gatsby's desire for wealth and a lavish lifestyle is evident throughout the novel. He throws extravagant parties, has a large mansion, and drives expensive cars. He believes that by attaining wealth and status, he can win back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. However, Gatsby's pursuit of wealth ultimately leads to his downfall. His criminal past catches up with him, and he loses everything,
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For example, Tom and Daisy have everything they want, but they are ultimately unhappy and unfulfilled. Characters such as Nick, who has privileged access to the world of the wealthy, recognize this. Nick describes his own house as an "eyesore," but he still finds happiness in the simple things in life, such as the view of the water.
The novel also highlights the social divide between old and new money. "Old money" refers to those who have inherited their wealth from past generations, while "new money" refers to those who have made their money from the ground up, often through underground or general business ventures. Gatsby's desire for wealth and a lavish lifestyle puts him in the category of "new money," and he is never truly accepted by the "old money" crowd. They view him as an outsider and are often unwilling to associate with