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Wealth Inequality In The Great Gatsby

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The Great Gatsby talks a lot about society and class and about wealth inequality. The story takes place in the 1920's that was a time of great wealth and glamor for those that were in the upper class. The story takes place in places referred to as "West Egg" and East egg. The East Egg area is where the Aristocratic families live. These are the families that are wealthy and have been wealthy for generations. They are the old blood of society. Everyone knows them and they have many privileges and honors just because of who they are. They live by strict social expectations and are able to go to the finest schools and Country Clubs and hang out with other families that fall in the same social status. The other part of the same area is …show more content…

He is one of the new comers to wealth. He falls in love with Daisy that comes from one of the original families and marries Tom Buchanan who also comes from great wealth and privilege. He loves Daisy but most of all, loves her class and background. He feels like she has everything he has always wanted and deep down, doesn't think he deserves her and the society she belongs to. Gatsby and Daisy do not end up together because the war and school separate them from each other. Daisy is comfortable with the society she grew up with and marries someone who has the same background as she. Unfortunately, the world that Tom and Daisy belong to is one where you are constantly worried about "how you appear to others." Most of your decisions are based on prestige and wealth and being accepted by the upper class of society. In Daisy's case, she is even willing to allow her husband to cheat on her because if she loses him, she also loses her social standing and the wealth that allows her to live the lifestyle she is accustomed to. She doesn't have principles or standards of the heart as much an social standards. She uses the love of money and status to determine her directions. In contrast is Gatsby which follows his heart but also wants to be long to the world that Daisy is part of. It is hard to say whether he loves Daisy or the world Daisy belongs to and the one he wants to be part

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