The Great Gatsby Literary Criticism Essay

Literary Criticism Seen with the Theme Society and Class Society and class is a constant theme seen in many different works of literature. It also can be depicted in many different ways. The literature can show the harsh realities of living in society, expectations of society, values of society as a whole, how one tries to change their path in society, the superficial nature of society, etc. In the masses of literature we read, we see characters that are shaped by society and also characters that fight back against it. In the novel The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald the theme of society is so prevalent among all the characters lives. How society was during the period of time in which this book is set in controlled the entirety of what happened in the story. Gatsby knew him and Daisy couldn’t be together because he was poor so his whole life after that was about becoming wealthy enough to show her they could be happy together. Then throughout the novel the values of society during …show more content…
In one scene in particular Lord Henry gives Dorian a book that outlines the many exploits of nineteenth century Frenchman. The influence this book has over Dorian is great, it practically becomes his roadmap to corruption. It is also arguable that the painting of himself is the strongest influence over him, Art and books are a part of society, they express and enlighten when our own minds can’t. “ “All art is quite useless” (Wilde 4). In this one sentence, Wilde encapsulates the complete principles of the Aesthetic Movement popular in Victorian England. That is to say, real art takes no part in molding the social or moral identities of society, nor should it. Art should be beautiful and pleasure its observer, but to imply further-reaching influence would be a mistake.” Society has an influence over one’s perceptions but it is a choice to let those perceptions guide you like they did