"The Great Gatsby" and the Class System

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes the plot and main characters of Jay and Daisy in Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby." The writer explores the novel's themes of social and economic mobility, often described as the American dream. This paper examines Jay's relentless pursuit of the dream while also vying for the affections of Daisy, a sociable and enticing member of the upper class he longs to be a part of. This paper discusses the manner in which Fitzgerald illustrates America's distorted perception as well as obsession with class and society and the harsh realities that are ultimately exposed.

From the Paper:

"Gatsby's tilted perspective gives rise to naive explanations about Daisy's intentions and behaviors; he consistently rationalizes circumstances to favor his interpretation of her. Gatsby's response towards Daisy's hit-and-run accident is a dramatic illustration of his unswerving commitment towards this ideal. Even after Daisy commits murder, Gatsby remains unmoved in his emotions towards her. What's more, he assumes responsibility for her actions. Or consider the statement: ' Of course she might have loved him, just for a minute, when they were first married--and loved me more even then, do you see?' (Fitzgerald, p. 133). Gatsby clings to this hope despite Daisy's professed loved her husband. Such explanations indicate how an individual's tenacious hold on an ideal can corrupt his rational faculties.
At one point, it appears Gatsby almost grasps this dichotomy when he states, ' Her voice is full of money'."

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