Many people in today’s society equate money with power, but does the amount of money one has demonstrate a real perception of who they truly are? People go out and live fancy, lavish lives for show but struggle to pay their bills behind closed doors. In more instances than not, the people who value relationships more than wealth and power are the ones who live loving, peaceful lives. Of course they would love to be wealthy and prosper financially, but their reality is that their loved ones are worth more than a couple of zeros in their bank account. There are rare cases where someone can love all the wealth and power and still be a genuinely good natured human being. In Salvation (Hughes), On A Plate (Morris), and The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald), the characters demonstrate both the value of love and the benefits of power and how one is more valuable than the other.
Throughout The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald uses contrast to better identify exactly what wealth and materials mean to the citizens. He initially focuses on the differences between the East Egg and the West Egg and how old money and new money make the separation in classes significant. The direct contrast to this wealth is shown in the Valley of Ashes, located between the Eggs. In his description of the Valley, he explains how
…show more content…
Paula grew up with two hard working parents learning that nothing is ever handed to you. Richard grew up with high expectations set upon him and being handed anything in his sight. They both grew up with loving parents, but eventually Richard let the money get to his head and strayed from his basic values. Paula understands where she comes from and how much work is required to get where she wants to be. “The expectations set for Richard might be slightly different to those set for Paula” and that’s why she works hard and doesn’t mask a handout as hard