How does Fitzgerald both critique and praise the lives of the upper class in The Great Gatsby?
Critics have written about the enchantment of Gatsby’s world, and the way in which Nick is drawn into it; they also address how Fitzgerald establishes this allure, while still allowing it to appear repulsive. Giltrow and Stouck ask the question of where the narrator, Nick, stands within the novel, and the overall answer could be that he behaves as a ‘fly on the wall’-being seen by others as “inclined to reserve all judgments,” (2). Despite this, Nick expresses his constantly changing view throughout; his perception of the wealthy transforms from fascination to different levels of repulsion. As the novel develops, Nick is enlightened to the seduction …show more content…
The words “jingle” and “cymbals” are musical, showing the melodic-like pull that money gives Daisy. Furthermore, it appears that not everyone who Gatsby associates with is appearing wealthy for a goal; they simply enjoy the desirability of it. Daisy and Tom for example, “had spent a year in France for no particular reason, and then drifted here and there unrestfully wherever people played polo and were rich together,"(6). It’s possible that Fitzgerald is stabbing at the upper class; questioning if there is anything to them besides simply their …show more content…
Nick’s repugnance for the upper classes that he associates with gives the readers a contrast in the moral values of the characters, showing that strong ethics are not unrealistic to obtain.Upon visiting the Buchanans, Nick is led into a world where secrets are not secrets and basic morals are thrown out of the window. He leaves feeling “disgusted and a little confused” (20) after learning about Tom’s affair, and his nonchalance surrounding it. It is clear that Nick’s values are different to those of Tom, Daisy and Jordan Baker, who are capable of more debauched and corrupt actions. Nick values fidelity in relationships, so is put off by not only Tom’s affair, but utterly appalled, “my own instinct was to telephone immediately for the police,” (15). Fitzgerald uses Nick to set him apart from the upper classes, placing Nick, with his lower status and wealth but higher principles, next to the Buchanans, who “smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness” (179). The tone of this quote is one of slight contempt, from Nick, with harsh words such as “smashed” and “carelessness”. The use of the word “smashed” indicates recklessness and destruction. Through Nick, Fitzgerald can critique the 1920 obsession with wealth; suggesting that the American Dream lies within limitless possibilities (shown through Gatsby’s pursuit and achievement of riches) while noting the
Critics have written about the enchantment of Gatsby’s world, and the way in which Nick is drawn into it; they also address how Fitzgerald establishes this allure, while still allowing it to appear repulsive. Giltrow and Stouck ask the question of where the narrator, Nick, stands within the novel, and the overall answer could be that he behaves as a ‘fly on the wall’-being seen by others as “inclined to reserve all judgments,” (2). Despite this, Nick expresses his constantly changing view throughout; his perception of the wealthy transforms from fascination to different levels of repulsion. As the novel develops, Nick is enlightened to the seduction …show more content…
The words “jingle” and “cymbals” are musical, showing the melodic-like pull that money gives Daisy. Furthermore, it appears that not everyone who Gatsby associates with is appearing wealthy for a goal; they simply enjoy the desirability of it. Daisy and Tom for example, “had spent a year in France for no particular reason, and then drifted here and there unrestfully wherever people played polo and were rich together,"(6). It’s possible that Fitzgerald is stabbing at the upper class; questioning if there is anything to them besides simply their …show more content…
Nick’s repugnance for the upper classes that he associates with gives the readers a contrast in the moral values of the characters, showing that strong ethics are not unrealistic to obtain.Upon visiting the Buchanans, Nick is led into a world where secrets are not secrets and basic morals are thrown out of the window. He leaves feeling “disgusted and a little confused” (20) after learning about Tom’s affair, and his nonchalance surrounding it. It is clear that Nick’s values are different to those of Tom, Daisy and Jordan Baker, who are capable of more debauched and corrupt actions. Nick values fidelity in relationships, so is put off by not only Tom’s affair, but utterly appalled, “my own instinct was to telephone immediately for the police,” (15). Fitzgerald uses Nick to set him apart from the upper classes, placing Nick, with his lower status and wealth but higher principles, next to the Buchanans, who “smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness” (179). The tone of this quote is one of slight contempt, from Nick, with harsh words such as “smashed” and “carelessness”. The use of the word “smashed” indicates recklessness and destruction. Through Nick, Fitzgerald can critique the 1920 obsession with wealth; suggesting that the American Dream lies within limitless possibilities (shown through Gatsby’s pursuit and achievement of riches) while noting the