Why Is Money Important In The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby: Love and Money

The Roaring Twenties was a time in American history of significant economic, political, and social change. America’s wealth doubled between the years 1920 and 1929. This economic trend drove many people to buy and wear the same clothing, watch the same advertisements, and listen to the same kind of music (Roaring Twenties). In the novel, The Great Gatsby, Scott Fitzgerald introduces the topic of materialism and how money can make a statement in the lives of the characters. In the year 1920, the Installment Plan was introduced and transformed the way Americans lived their lives. This plan encouraged people to buy things on credit so they could spend money they did not have (Margulies 15). People that took advantage

The people that had this new money became obsessed with it and made it something they could not live without (Manoharan). Jay Gatsby displays this new money with extravagant parties, his large house, and his attitude towards others. “Old money” was inherited by generations before or made before the trend. The people with old money were financially stable, excellent money managers, and often cherished their possessions (Manoharan). Daisy and Tom’s way of life is an example of old money as they inherited money and remain financially stable by managing their money well. Tom has a steady job and income to support his family. They have a beautiful home in East Egg and own many expensive possessions. However, Gatsby struggles with wanting to obtain old money so that he can live up to Daisy’s expectations. Tom’s “old money” has power beyond anything that Gatsby can offer Daisy. Gatsby thinks that he loves Daisy for who she really is when he is truly blindsided by his wealth (Bunce). He only loves Daisy so that he can show her his wealth and ultimately “buy” her

As Gatsby came back to New York and achieved what he believed was his dream through bootlegging and gangs, he rose above the other people in society. His rise became an obsession in his life and took over his mind, actions, and beliefs. His obsession with wealth was aimed only to win Daisy’s affection (“The Great Gatsby”). This contributes to Gatsby’s fall, after losing Daisy to Tom. Gatsby spent the rest of his short life wanting to live up to Daisy’s wealth and status when he ultimately could not. Gatsby’s rise and fall can contribute to the idea of the American Dream. The idea of the American dream is displayed throughout the novel as the idea that the characters, no matter what social status, can achieve their dreams by working hard and being determined. The novel shows that wealth and status will not insure one’s happiness