The Great Gatsby Theme of Wealth

In The Great Gatsby, wealth can be distinguished from class; it is possible to achieve great wealth without being accepted into the elite class, as evidenced by Jay Gatsby’s experience. Poverty, on the other hand, restricts decision and action. George Wilson, for example, is unable to "go West" with his wife because he hasn’t enough money. It is money that allows Tom and Daisy to go here and there, leaving other people to clean up their messes. The life of ease and luxury that Tom and others enjoy is contrasted sharply with the stranglehold of poverty containing Myrtle and George Wilson or the life from which Jay Gatsby emerges. Wealth is what separates Gatsby from his love, as he notes of Daisy that "her voice is full of money."

1. In The Great Gatsby, what role does wealth play in people’s life expectations? Could Gatsby have achieved his life-altering childhood goals without wealth? That is, did he really want wealth, or did he want what he thought wealth could get him?
2. Why are there barriers between men and women due to wealth in this text?
3. Does money bring happiness in The Great Gatsby, destroy happiness, or have no effect?
4. What does Gatsby mean when he says that Daisy’s voice is "full of money?" Does he mean this negatively? Why does Nick agree with him? Does this comment say more about Daisy or Gatsby?

Although Fitzgerald presents wealthy society as careless and selfish, ultimately all of the characters in the book, regardless of wealth or poverty, fail to demonstrate loyalty and friendship. These failures are the common denominators between the classes. In The Great Gatsby, materialism may appear to be beneficial, but it is an impediment to the achievement of lifelong desires.

A Marxist interpretation of The Great Gatsby demonstrates the emptiness and moral vacuum created by the decadence and wealth of capitalism.