Consumerism, excessive material wealth, and cynicism is portrayed in The Great Gatsby through the obsession with material purchases, the enormous homes on long island, extravagant cars, and lavish parties. ... The lavish parties, jazz music, and nightclub culture shown in The Great Gatsby, by the magnificent parties hosted by Jay Gatsby, perpetuate the corruption of the American dream as the unrestricted desire for money and pleasure surpass more noble goals. ... This social class division is further perpetuated in The Great Gatsby between those who live on West Egg versus those on East Egg. ....

• Word Count: 1603
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: Undergraduate