What Are The Obstacles Of The Great Gatsby

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One Continent, Two Situations: The Evolution of Western Society When immigrants first settled in North America they sought relief from their native lands. They were enticed with the promise of North America's financial opportunity and social stability. Where it would have been impossible for many of them to achieve prosperity and wealth in their originating countries, the new Western World enabled many of them to achieve social and financial success through dedication and a resilient work ethic. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, this “American Dream” is depicted as it was in the 1920s. However, much has changed since this era and today’s society has evolved. In both epochs, the American Dream functions as a symbol of hope that promotes…show more content…
In both time periods, the income gap between the wealthiest and poorest citizens is clear and convincing. However, in the 2010s, extensive social programming has helped narrow this rift and expand the middle class. While in both eras there is a somewhat of a distinction between sections of the continent, the divide between the East and the West is more pronounced in the 1920s. Modern technological innovations have improved this situation by uniting all North Americans. In the 1920s, the American Dream was in many respects a dying fad. The common conception of the Dream involves merely wealth. Fitzgerald challenges this notion, indicating that the complete Dream also involves social status and achieving one’s non financial goals. Jay Gatsby, the novel’s title character, appears to have it all. However, his great wealth is not sufficient; he yearned for the love of Daisy Buchanan. When Gatsby was on his extravagant property “he stretched out his arms toward the dark water in a curious way, and…he was trembling…[looking at] a single green light…[at] the end of a dock” (Fitzgerald 22). This green light was the tip of the Buchanans’ dock located across the pond from Gatsby’s residence. Much of his…show more content…
The wealthiest citizens, notably the established older rich and the recently coined nouveau riche controlled much of the day’s wealth and influence. The wealthiest earners are depicted as careless in regards to their consumption of expensive resources. In describing a new evening gown that she received directly from the luxury designer, Lucille, a member of the upper class, commented that it as “too big in the bust and had to be altered. It was gas blue with lavender beads. Two hundred and sixty-five dollars” (Fitzgerald 43). Lucille appears to be more interested in the monetary value of the item as opposed to the product itself. This demonstrates the indifference of the upper class to many aspects of their daily lives, including household expenditures. They are instead concerned about how to best spend their fortunes. Meanwhile, the working class is struggling to make ends meet. George Wilson, the owner of an automotive garage, has to be mindful of every penny. When asked by the wealthy Tom Buchanan how his business was performing, Wilson simply says that he “can’t complain” (Fitzgerald 25). Despite his hard work and determination, he was unable to achieve the same degree of wealth and social status as other characters such as Gatsby. He is forced to continue living off of his modest income. This demonstrates how, while both extremities of the socioeconomic spectrum are focused on the dollar value of their
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