The Great Gatsby :: essays research papers

F. Scott Fitzgerald comments on the lighthearted vivacity and the moraldeterioration of the period. It possesses countless references to thecontemporary period. The aimlessness and shallowness of the guests, thecrazy extravagance of Gatsbys parties, and the indication of Gatsbysconnection in the bootlegging business all represent the period and theAmerican setting. But as a piece of social critique, The Great Gatsby alsodescribes the defeat of the American dream, and that the American ideals differ with the actual social conditions that exist in society. For the American constitutions stands for the freedom, and equality among people, moreover the truth of the matter is that social discrimination still exists and the grouping among the classes can never be overcome. Myrtles attempt to become a "member" of Toms group is predestined tofail, because he is of the wealthier, more "sophisticated" class. Takingadvantage of her animation, her lively nature, she tries to elu de the rest of her class. She gets involved in an affair with Tom, and inherits his values, and his way of living. By doing so, she only demoralizes herself, and becomes pamper like the rich ar stereotyped to be. She belittles people from her own class, and loses all sense of honor that she once had. And for all her social desires, Myrtle never does prevail her place in Toms "high brow" world of the rich. Fitzgerald portrays Myrtles condition, obviously, as a minor reflection toGatsbys more substantial struggle. While Myrtles ambitions come from hersocial desires, Gatsbys are linked more to his idealism, his strong belief in biographys opportunity. For sure, his desire is influenced by social considerations as well Daisy, who is beautiful and rich, shows a lifestyle which is distant to Gatsbysand so is more attractive to him, because it is so far out of his reach. However, social status is not his premier reason for loving Daisy. It only leads him, and makes him subject to believe in lifes great opportunity. Like Myrtle does, Gatsby fights to fit himself into another social group, the one of old money, but his attempt is more significant, because his whole faith in life isrested upon it. Therefore, his failure is much more frightful to him, as anylarger dreams failure turns out to be. His whole objective, his confidence in life and himself is completely smashed when he fails to win Daisys love. His death, when it arrives is nearly meaningless, for, with the defeat of his dream, Gatsby