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Examples Of Marxism In The Great Gatsby

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Exploration of Marxist Criticism in The Great Gatsby
The American dream can be summed up as such: The ability for any individual regardless of their initial socioeconomic status, to achieve great monetary and social wealth. In the capitalist society of America, the belief is to become rich is integral for all its citizens. This is opposed to the Marxist view on equality, since for a person to be wealthy another must inevitably be below him. The society in The Great Gatsby exemplifies the flawed aspiration to accomplish the American dream. Through the experiences of three prominent characters in the novel: Myrtle Wilson, Nick Carraway and Jay Gatsby. The errors of the attempt to change ones class in a class-based system are personified. Myrtle …show more content…
But in what way? In the way that even though the success of his goal is seemingly impossible, he still perceivers. Gatsby's attempt got him very far but that just made his downfall all the more greater. He amassed a fortune in a short period of time but he did not fully achieve what it was that he wanted; to be with Daisy. She wanted someone who was wealthy in not one, but two aspects. Gatsby had monetary wealth but was not accepted socially. Daisy herself complimented him on his fine clothes, "It makes me sad because I've never seen such - such beautiful shirts before" (Fitzgerald 89). So he is okay in that aspect, but what about socially? Well even during the parties in which he is the host his guests they cast doubt in the form of rumors. Then during his death he has no one, "You've got to get somebody for me" (Fitzgerald 156). Gatsby did not fully become wealthy because he failed in the second aspect which is being socially accepted. Although he became the closest off all the characters in the novel he did not achieve it. He does in some way sum up the whole story. "becoming an allegory for the course of the American nation and for the struggles and dreams of its citizens" (Will 205). His dream remains what it is, a dream. Something that is not based in reality but in the world of fantasy. However close Gatsby got he never did end up completing the American

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