1970. Choose a character from a novel or play of recognized literary merit and write an essay in which you (a) briefly describe the standards of the fictional society in which the character exists and (b) show how the character is affected by and responds to those standards. In your essay do not merely summarize the plot. REVISED

REVISED

One of an author's favorite topic is the corruptive and harmful nature of society on the individual. Frequently, the individual tries to reach a proposed ideal, only to fail in the process. The acclaimed novel The Great Gatsby is a prominent works depicting how a society pressures a character and inevitably corrupts him.

Gatsby's relationship with Daisy went on hold when he was shipped overseas by the army during World War I. He returned five years later, determined to increase his status so she could love him. This reinvention needed money and was funded by bootlegging and other illegal activities. His eventual mansion and lavish parties were a telling sign of the emphasis that the 1920s culture placed on wealth and status. The novel is Fitzgerald's commentary on the hypocritical behavior of those who wish to win the favor of the upper class, and the upper class itself. The Roaring 20s was the epitome of bettering one's station in life, but the irony lies in that the culture's 'morals' and attempted control of the individual frequenly led to individuals pursuing advancement through illegal and amoral means.

Bootlegging, gambling, 'fixing' large-scale events, and obtaining large amounts of money through mysterious measures are the low activities that Gatsby stoops to in order to elevate his status. While ironic in itself, it also speaks to how suffocating the society is in which he lives. His society is built on the idea that in order to achieve one's dreams, one must be at the top of the totem pole and able to influence others.

Also prevalent are the amount of lies told about personal history. For all the guests at Gatsby's routine parties, hardly any of them know anything about their host. Gatsby himself is not an active participant. He claims that he went to Oxford, and takes care not to talk about the past where he was known by his family name of 'Gatz.' The fact that the characters do not believe they can achieve as themselves takes reinvention to such a high step that they become hypocrites. Through those types of scenarios, Fitzgerald paints the upper class and those aspiring to become part of the elite in a negative light.

When only Nick, Gatsby's father, and a few of his servants attend Gatsby's funeral, it's evidence that he leaves no lasting memory behind in the constantly forward-moving world. This ties dissatisfaction with the empty culture with the idea that focusing on greed and obtaining more does not breed personal connection. The real tragedy of Gatsby might well be that despite all of his work and suffering to obtain a lofty ideal, material possessions do not automatically translate into human connection. His legacy fades away.