| Abstract | In his novel The Great Gatsby (1925) F. Scott Fitzgerald places a great emphasis on the characters’ social status, and the corresponding level of power or weakness it denotes in society. Moreover, the author highlights the issue of the characters’ never-ending quest for wealth, which is seen as the only basis of their lives. At the beginning of the novel, we are introduced to the character of Nick Carraway, the narrator, who comes to East Egg in search for a better job. Nick represents a member of the working class, a common man who has to earn for his living. Thus, the idea of the quest for financial security is stated at the very beginning of the novel. The first chapter also introduces Jay Gatsby, who is described as a well-off, successful man. The character of Jay Gatsby encompasses all types of pursuits; he struggles to obtain a status of a well-to-do person, while at the same time he unsuccessfully searches for joy and his long-lost love. He, as well as Tom and Daisy Buchanan, blindly believe that one’s position in society depends on a person’s wealth. Tom and Daisy Buchanan stand for clear examples of opulent members of higher class, who never seem to have enough money to buy what they truly lack. All in all, the novel deals with money and the consequences it has on people. These are seen through greedy and corrupted people, who always want more. The novel also challenges the question of social class and the distinctions felt between people of different status. The Great Gatsby is all about money, the pursuit of wealth and possessions. |
