Urban Culture In The Great Gatsby

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F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby, gives a splendid depiction of urban culture during the era better known either as the Roaring Twenties, or the Jazz Age. This era is characterized by the aftermath of World War One, as well as a booming economy, a drastic increase in crime, and a shift towards modern values. However, the Roaring Twenties also introduces the ideology that people are defined by their possessions and status, as the wealthy become public figures just because of their money. Thus, Fitzgerald utilizes multiple negative aspects of the 1920's culture to demonstrate the disillusionment of wealth. To begin, Fitzgerald showcases two key characters, Gatsby and Tom, that use the power of their respective fortunes to cover …show more content…
Both Gatsby and Tom have magnificent mansions, and the appearances of their respective estates are described as impeccable, including when Fitzgerald uses a lighthearted tone, as well as specific adjectives such as “glowing” or “gleaming” when Nick first arrives at Tom’s house (Fitzgerald 6-8). Fitzgerald purposely creates an image of how spectacular these residences are because he is trying to instill the fact that both settings are simply too perfect, just like the personas of their occupants. On the other hand, the Valley of Ashes that George Wilson lives and works in displays quite the opposite side of economic class, and Fitzgerald sets the scene of a dark and bleak place with no prosperity. Fitzgerald additionally uses a depressing tone starting with the description of Doctor Eckleburg, and he later makes the reader feel empathy when they initially witness how Tom takes advantage of a hard-working Wilson. Finally, Tom displays some of his worst qualities through plot events such as when he takes a call from Myrtle right in front of Daisy, and even hits Myrtle in their apartment. However, the most essential plot event occurs at Gatsby’s funeral, when Nick cannot get anybody to show up besides him, Owl Eyes, and Gatsby’s father. Therefore, people are only interested in Gatsby’s wealth, and could not care less about who he is
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