Role Of Automobile In The Great Gatsby

Automobiles are a major icon of the 1920s, and play a role in the novel that was written and takes place during the decade, The Great Gatsby. To this day, automobiles are a very useful and convenient invention; ever since their inception people have been fascinated by them, and the automobile industry has produced a great amount of jobs. Especially in the 1920s, automobile ownership escalated quite rapidly, seeing over 8 million registrations in 1920 and nearly 24 million by the end of the decade. The automobile became very popular during the decade that roared; driving evolved from a mere utility to something that could be done for enjoyment. Furthermore, as the automobile became more popular, more automobile owners were wanting to travel farther in them. Highways had to be built, and then gasoline stations, and then fast food restaurants, and eventually motels. America was jumping at the opportunity to accommodate its new favourite pastime. During the 1920s America saw an increase in consumerism, the middle class were being paid more and could afford to buy more. This general …show more content…
Though quite short and with a simple plot, the book is very symbolic and contains very deep characters, it is also a striking reflection of its era and what made it fall. Just like in the 1920s, one’s vehicle could be used as a general impression of one’s wealth. The vehicle of a middle class man is described as such: “the only car visible was a dust covered wreck of a Ford” (Fitzgerald, 26). The man in question is the minor character Mr. Wilson, he is quite poor, and the fact that he owns a Ford (a relatively cheap vehicle) makes that point quite clear. One of the most rich and prominent characters in the book, Jay Gatsby, owns an expensive cream or yellow colored Rolls Royce which boasts custom modifications such as a three-noted