Materialism and Superficiality

Paper Summary:

The paper shows how in the two novels, "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald and "The Life and Loves of a She-Devil" by Fay Weldon, the main characters are obsessed with material financial gain, as well as preserving an image of prosperity that is ultimately superficially masking their emotional pain and insecurity. The paper discusses how Americans tend toward superficiality and materialism in their social behaviors.

From the Paper:

"The rise of Jay Gatsby's fortunes relied on illegal bootlegging to acquire his house, and the other materialistic pleasures that he has gained in his activities. The central focus of the novel, however, does not merely focus on his wealth, but focuses on his dream of having Daisy Buchanan as a love object. All of the accumulated wealth revolves around this particular women, as she represents Gatsby's obsession with her as a symbol of the American Dream--the desire to acquire and sustain material wealth. The interesting aspect of the novel is that Gatsby feels that he must provide wealth and security to Daisy if he is to be able to 'have' her, as a material possession. In this manner, she is at once a possession and a love interest, but Fitzgerald does indeed make sure to reveal that he does truly love her on a deeper level."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. New York: Scribner, 1995.
• Weldon, Fay. The Life and Loves of a She-Devil. New York: Ballantine, 1985.

More papers on Materialism and Superficiality:

• Book Review # 33819 : "The Great Gatsby" and Materialism"
• Analytical Essay # 123247 : "'The Great Gatsby' and Materialism"
• Analytical Essay # 2212 : "Cinderella and Children's Self-Esteem"

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