Social Commentary in The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald :: free essay writer

The prominent Gatsby Social Commentary On one level The expectant Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald comments on the careless gaiety and moral decadence of the catch in which it was set. It contains innumerable references to the contemporary scene. The wild extravagance of Gatsbys parties, the shallowness and purposelessness of the guests and the hint of Gatsbys involvement in crime all identify the breaker point and the American setting. But as a piece of social description The Great Gatsby also describes the failure of the American dream, from the point of view that American political ideals conflict with the actual social conditions that exist. For whereas American democracy is ground on the idea of equality among lot, the truth is that social discrimination simmer down exists and the divisions among the classes cannot be overcome. myrtles attempt to break into the group to which the Buchanans belong is doomed to fail. fetching advantage of her vivacity, her lively nature, she seeks to escape from her own class. She enters into an affair with Tom and takes on his way of living. But she only becomes vulgar and corrupt like the rich. She scorns people from her own class and loses all sense of morality. And for all her social ambition, Myrtle never succeeds in her attempt to find a place for herself in Toms class. When it comes to a crisis, the rich stand together against all outsiders. Myrtles condition, of course, is a weaker reflectiveness of Gatsbys more significant struggle. While Myrtles desire springs from social ambition, Gatsbys is related more to his idealism, his faith in vitalitys possibilities. Undoubtedly, his desire is also influenced by social considerations Daisy, who is rich and beautiful, represents a way of life which is remote from Gatsbys and therefore more bewitching because it is out of reach. However, social consciousness is not a basic cause. It scarcely directs and increases Gatsbys belief in lifes possibilities. Like My rtle, Gatsby struggles to fit himself into another social group, notwithstanding his attempt is more urgent because his whole faith in life is involved in it. Failure, therefore, is more terrible for him. His whole career, his confidence in himself and in life is totally shattered when he fails to win Daisy. His expiration when it comes is almost insignificant, for, with the collapse of his dream, Gatsby is already spiritually dead. As social satire, The Great Gatsby is also a comment on moral decadence in modem American society.