materialism in The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald chronicles the vapid, materialistic lives of the upper class of Long Island during the booming times of the Jazz Age. The characters in the novel do not work, and live solely for the purpose of amassing their wealth, recklessly indulging themselves, and displaying their affluence. The excess of their lifestyle is shown through their enormous houses, their extravagant parties, and their indulgence in alcohol. Nothing in their daily lives is spared from this outrageous standard of living, and the automobiles that they drive are no exception. Throughout The Great Gatsby, the issue of class, wealth, and the American Dream is illustrated literally and metaphorically through the use of the automobile. For most Americans, the automobile was simply a means of transportation, but for the upper crust of society that wasn?t concerned about commuting to a factory, the car was a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby both own extravagant cars in order to project their high class and wealthy image.It?s pretty isn?t it old sport? Haven?t you ever seen it before? I?d seen it. Everybody had seen it. It was a rich cream color, bright with nickel, swollen here and there in its mon
For the wealthy residents of Long Island, the automobile was used as a way to display how wealthy someone was. Almost a century later, America?s materialistic fascination with the automobile continues today. ?When are you going to sell me that car???Next Week; I?ve got my man working on it now. Myrtle was fed up with her husband not being able to provide her with everything that symbolized success. When Tom Buchanan pulls up to Wilson?s garage in a brand new luxury car, he nonchalantly mentions to Wilson that he just bought the car last week. Tom knows Wilson needs the car and because he had never felt in need, he doesn?t realize how important the old car is to Wilson. Scott Fitzgerald effectively and repeatedly uses the automobile to shape his view of American class and society during the 1920?s. He borrowed somebody?s best suit to get married in? and then I lay down and cried to beat the band all afternoon. strous length with triumphant hatboxes and supper-boxes and toolboxes, and terraced with a labyrinth of windshields that mirrored a dozen sons. He contrasts sharply against the backdrop of affluent characters in the book like Tom, Gatsby, and Daisy. The American Dream and the automobile was what led Myrtle Wilson to her death. (Page: 68)Gatsby?s car is described as very luxurious, and very expensive. From urban high schools, to upper class suburbs, the type of car that people drive is thought to directly show their wealth and status.
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