Why Is Nick's Car Important In The Great Gatsby

Dan Seiters, a literary critic, states “Carelessness plus cars equal chaos.” The Roaring Twenties, a time of economic prosperity as well as dramatic social and political changes, was an age of carelessness. With the adoption of automobiles, radios, and telephones, America became a consumer-oriented society. Automobiles gave many Americans the freedom to go and do whatever they desired. In the novel The Great Gatsby written by American author F. Scott Fitzgerald, automobiles play a major role in the theme of the book. James Gatz is born into a poor family in the Midwest. Thoughout his life, he works to achieve success to win over the heart a woman named Daisy Buchanan. This adolescent dream that Gasby desperately clings to ultimately leads to

In the novel, Nick drives an “old dodge” which is very different from the cars one would see in West Egg because of the new money that called that place home (Fitzgerald 4). In fact, it was “Dodge Brothers who coined the term ‘dependability’ to describe their vehicles” (Pearce). Nick’s portrayal of dependability throughout the novel further develops Nick’s character. Just like the nickname, “Nick’s car is the by-product of American ingenuity and follows a tradition of being both reliable and respectable” (Lance). Similarly, this idea of contentment of wealth can be seen with the Buchanan’s. It is quite clear the Tom’s blue coupé is not in the same league. As it is tasteful, unlike the gaudy Rolls-Royce. Tom and Daisy both come from wealthy backgrounds, unlike Gatsby. Because they are known as old money, the Buchanan’s are “comfortable with their wealth and social position and do not need to advertise their status by driving gaudy and showy automobiles” (Pearce). As a result of this feeling of content, they drive an “easy-going blue coupé” (Seiters). In addition, when Daisy was a teenager she drove a “little white roadster” (Fitzgerald 74). When Daisy was younger, she was pure, innocent, and beautiful. In actuality, behind the beautiful and pure appearance, “Daisy owns a superficial, hollow, cold and selfish heart inside” (Haibing). Daisy does not take things

The way the characters act behind the wheel indicates how they feel toward life. The rich “carelessly cause injury to people and property whilst behind the wheel, they inflict similar emotional wounds on those with whom they come in contact” (Lance). For instance, one can learn that Jordan Baker is careless when Nick claims she is an appalling driver. Baker’s character can be questioned when she responds with “they’ll keep out...it takes two to make an accident” (Fitzgerald 58). Jordan’s major flaw is her inability to take responsibility for her actions. Her misuse of the automobile “anticipates the deception to cover up her carelessness” of relying on others to move out of the way rather than her take into consideration that other lives are at stake (Lance). This corrupt mindset was not a foreign during this time, many “young men and women in the 1920s had a sense of reckless confidence not only about money but about life in general” (Cowley). Additionally, the Buchanan’s exhibit carelessness in both life and behind the wheel. Early on, the reader learns that Tom is having a revolting affair and is careless enough with his marital relationship that he “ran into a wagon on the Ventura road one night and ripped a front wheel off his car and one of the chambermaids [was in his car]” (Fitzgerald 77). Tom’s irresponsible nature extends far beyond driving; he risks his