Materialism

Definition

Materialism in 'The Great Gatsby' refers to the preoccupation with material wealth and possessions, often at the expense of deeper values like love, happiness, and integrity. The novel showcases how characters' relentless pursuit of wealth leads to moral decay and disillusionment, highlighting the emptiness behind the American Dream.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Jay Gatsby's extravagant parties symbolize the excesses of materialism, drawing in guests who are more interested in wealth than genuine connections.
2. Daisy Buchanan represents the allure of materialism; she is wealthy yet emotionally shallow, embodying the emptiness that often accompanies great wealth.
3. The Valley of Ashes serves as a stark contrast to the opulence of West Egg and East Egg, representing the moral decay that results from the pursuit of wealth.
4. Tom Buchanan's character exemplifies inherited wealth's arrogance and entitlement, showcasing how materialism can lead to a lack of empathy for others.
5. Gatsby's tragic end reflects the ultimate failure of materialism; despite his riches, he remains unfulfilled and unable to attain true happiness or love.

Review Questions

• How does Fitzgerald use the character of Jay Gatsby to critique materialism in 'The Great Gatsby'?
  • Fitzgerald uses Jay Gatsby to illustrate the pitfalls of materialism by showing how Gatsby's wealth fails to bring him true happiness or genuine relationships. Despite his lavish parties and grand mansion, Gatsby remains isolated and yearns for Daisy’s love, which he equates with success. This highlights that his relentless pursuit of wealth ultimately leads to emptiness and tragedy.
• Analyze the role of social class in shaping characters' experiences with materialism throughout the novel.
  • Social class plays a critical role in 'The Great Gatsby,' influencing how characters interact with each other and perceive wealth. Characters like Tom and Daisy Buchanan embody the carelessness associated with inherited wealth, while Gatsby represents the self-made man seeking acceptance. The stark differences between East Egg and West Egg highlight how social status affects personal relationships and contributes to characters' moral failures.
• Evaluate how Fitzgerald's portrayal of materialism in 'The Great Gatsby' reflects broader societal issues during the 1920s in America.
  • Fitzgerald's portrayal of materialism mirrors the broader societal issues of the 1920s, a time marked by economic prosperity but also by moral decay. The obsession with wealth reflects a culture that prioritizes material success over human connections and ethical values. This critique not only addresses individual characters but also serves as a commentary on the American Dream itself, suggesting that the relentless pursuit of material wealth ultimately leads to disillusionment and societal fragmentation.

Related terms

American Dream: The belief that anyone, regardless of background, can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination, often critiqued in 'The Great Gatsby' as unattainable or corrupted.

Social Class: The hierarchical distinctions based on wealth and social status that influence characters' relationships and experiences in the novel.

Disillusionment: A feeling of disappointment resulting from the discovery that something is not as good as one believed it to be, particularly regarding the pursuit of wealth and success.