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Material Things In F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby

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According to Saint Lucian poet Derek Walcott, “The discontent that lies in the human condition is not satisfied simply by material things.” Throughout history, it has been proven time and time again, that those who rely on material objects such as money, stature, and fortune, often find themselves in a place of dissatisfaction and envy. Such unfavorable feelings occur for no good reason other than the fact that these “material things” have no real meaning, and lack the emotional significance that can be found in real relationships with sincere people. Concepts like meaningful relationships and empathy are concepts that people who focus solely on status and riches often fail to understand. The idea of what happens when one has an intense dependence on “material things” is further explored in the novel, The Great Gatsby. This period piece, narrated by Nick Carraway, and written by famous author F. Scott Fitzgerald, investigates the chaotic and intricate social system …show more content…

Despite the anguish she felt, Daisy followed through with the wedding, because she knew that it meant she would gain more wealth, and power. The night before her wedding day, she receives a letter from Jay Gatsby, the man she presumably loved. His letter is enough to tear her to pieces, and almost enough to change the course of her life. She then allows herself to wallow in sadness and alcohol, so much so that she reveals her true emotions, and breaks her expensive pearls, regardless of the prosperity and wealth they represented:
“Here, deares." She groped around in a waste-basket she had with her on the bed and pulled out the string of pearls. "Take 'em down-stairs and give 'em back to whoever they belong to. Tell 'em all Daisy 's change ' her mind. Say: “Daisy 's change ' her mine!”

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