How Does Fitzgerald Present Wealth In The Great Gatsby

The 1920s were known to many as a period of change and rebirth. It was a period of history known for lavish parties and extravagant lifestyles. When F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote The Great Gatsby, he created an illusion for readers to decipher and interpret on their own. This allusion contributes to the varied ideas and opinions of the novel. Despite the fact that a majority of the novel can be interpreted so differently, there is one central theme that is portrayed endlessly throughout the novel: wealth. Wealth was looked upon as a deciphering factor between social classes which ultimately led to a distinct gap in the social classes of society. Many thought that money led to an invitation into society dominated with wealth and fame; however, as readers see throughout the novel, wealth actually creates a world filled with envy, greed, and deception. Envy drives the plot and major storyline of the entire novel. Gatsby is the posterchild for envy and portrays it ceaselessly until his death. Gatsby is envious of Tom and Daisy’s relationship and wishes that he could have Daisy. He could have had her all to himself but made the choice to leave her. Gatsby tries to extinguish the feeling of envy by throwing luxurious parties so he will finally be able to experience the feeling of love but in reality, people only love
Many believe that wealth dictates the type of person someone is and along with that comes many negative stereotypes of wealthy people. In The Great Gatsby, the portrayal of wealth is not necessarily a good thing. Gatsby thought that wealth led to an invitation into society inhibited with wealth and fame. But as readers see throughout the novel, wealth actually creates a world filled with envy, greed, and deception. Wealth can buy many things that led to finite amounts of happiness, but in the end, it does not have the power to make one truly