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Unfortunately, people who are materialistic tend to lead empty, hollow lives as well, compared to those who have resisted the taint of the corrupting nature of money and power. For example, Tom Buchanan, easily the most materialistic and empty character in the entire book, reached his developmental "peak" while in college. Because he is SO empty he needs to constantly buy and have "things" to fill the void in his pitiful, meaningless existence. To Tom, women are just continuations of "things" and they are merely there for his pleasure, for him to use, abuse and discard as he sees fit. So, naturally, that is why Tom has affairs with so many women, and Daisy says nothing in protest. This is shown when Nick is talking to Jordan while Tom is on the phone with his mistress and she says, " "Why-" she said hesitantly. "Tom's got some woman in New York." "She might have the decency not to telephone him at dinner-time. Don't you think?" "(19-20). This shows the extent that Tom objectifies and abuses the people in his life, even his own wife. .
The very fact that Daisy stays with him speaks volumes about her. The reason she stays with Tom is because he is "stable", or in other words, rich. No matter how much she may love Gatsby, she will not leave Tom because he has money and LOTS of it. So, in effect, if she stays with Tom, even if she doesn't love him, and becomes objectified and gets beaten, she will stay with Tom because he has status, money and power.
Even Gatsby, the character we, the readers, are supposed to like the best, is materialistic. However, he is materialistic because he thinks foolishly that if he has all the things Tom has, which he cannot, he will win Daisy back. So, he is materialistic but not for materialism's sake; he is materialistic for love. For example, he throws extravagant parties and buys things that he normally would never really need, all in hopes of attracting Daisy to his parties, but of course, as is too often the case, it is to no avail.
The classic "American Dream," is often characterized by home ownership. ... Ownership marks certain goals in human society, but can also lead to an individual's downfall. ... Gluttony and materialism are never far behind the notion of ownership. In today's society, materialism is a large problem. ... One can become consumed with materialism and ruin the hard work it took to raise funds. ...
Scott Fitzgerald, the corruption of the American dream is a major theme throughout the book. ... The corruption of the American dream in the 1920's era is shown in The Great Gatsby through symbolism, materialism, and romantic dreams and hopes. ... This new materialistic crazed society leads to the ruin of the true American dream. ... She wants to be wealthy so she sleeps with Tom just to get a sense or taste of it, this materialistic vogue is what leads to the downfall of the American dream when it leads to George killing Gatsby after Daisy runs over Myrtle in Gatsby's car. ....
This is probably the best essay about the American Dream/Great Gatsby. ... Enjoy The American Dream can be interpreted by many people to mean many different things. ... The true meaning of the American Dream is lost by the characters in The Great Gatsby, and leads them to the downfall of their life trying to obtain it's illusionary goals. ... Gatsby's personal dream symbolizes the larger American Dream where everyone has the opportunity to get what they want. ... The American Dream was first recognized by the early settlers. ...
When one thinks of the American Dream, thoughts of success come to mind. ... But what should truly come to mind first when you are visioning the American dream? ... Johnson had to say about materialism. ... The Great Gatsby takes place in America during the roaring twenties, and is about the American Dream, and the uprise and downfall of those who attempt to reach its goals. ... She is really the main "possession" that would complete Gatsby's American dream....
Her dream of riches and of belonging to a social elite blinded her from the chance that perhaps she could have tried to make her marriage with George work and hence achieve happiness and was, in fact, this very dream that resulted in her downfall. ... Instead, Fitzgerald uses them to show the bad qualities of the American Dreams modern face. ... Money is clearly identified as a reason for the death of the American dream. It becomes easily entangled with the idea of hope and success and replaces their positions in the American Dream with materialism. ... The biggest collapse, however, is of t...
Her dream of riches and of belonging to a social elite blinded her from the chance that perhaps she could have tried to make her marriage with George work and hence achieve happiness and was, in fact, this very dream that resulted in her downfall. ... Instead, Fitzgerald uses them to show the bad qualities of the American Dreams modern face. ... Money is clearly identified as a reason for the death of the American dream. It becomes easily entangled with the idea of hope and success and replaces their positions in the American Dream with materialism. ... The biggest collapse, however, is of t...
Scott Fitzgerald in 1925, portrays the failure of the American dream, from the point of view that American political ideal's conflict with the actual social conditions that exist. ... This division among classes emphasizes the deterioration of an American dream and reinforces the significance of materialism in a society obsessed with wealth and status. ... Daisy's rendering of the American dream was based on fun, comfortable living with money and influence. ... This remark within the novel acknowledges the enthralment with materialism among society that is purely superficial tha...
Her dream of riches and of belonging to a social elite blinded her from the chance that perhaps she could have tried to make her marriage with George work and hence achieve happiness and was, in fact, this very dream that resulted in her downfall. ... Instead, Fitzgerald uses them to show the bad qualities of the American Dreams modern face. ... Money is clearly identified as a reason for the death of the American dream. It becomes easily entangled with the idea of hope and success and replaces their positions in the American Dream with materialism. ... The biggest collapse, however, is of t...
