Dear AP students:
Hope everyone is having a great vacation.
And I hope everyone is eager to read The Great Gatsby.
Here is the first thing I want you to think about as you read. I want you to constantly analyze the book from the Marxist perspective. See the text through this lens.
Remember what the Marxist perspective consists of...basically it involves the idea that the economic classes--the rich, the middle class, and the poor workers--are constantly struggling against each other. The rich exploit the poor, deriving proportionately more profit/benefits from the workers than what they pay for. Thus, the rich oppress the poor. Reading from this Marxist lens, we look for instances in which the rich hold too much power/sway over the other economic classes.
According to Marx, economic conditions determine society (to include religion, politics, culture).
Marx also said that religion was the opiate of the masses--meaning that religion is used by the powerful to keep the workers obedient.
Consumerism--a key facet of Capitalism--plays a big role in exploiting the worker. The workers and the middle class are kept happy buy allowing them to work harder and harder to buy stuff.
According to the Marxist perspective, the quest for wealth plays a prominent role for literary characters.
And the novelists'/characters' perspective reveals his/her class's view of wealth/economic conditions.
Based on the above, (putting on our Marxist perspective lenses) what do we notice in reading The Great Gatsby's first 30 to 60 pages? What questions arise? What does the novel hint about economic conditions of the 1920's? Of America? About the major characters in the novels? What patterns begin to emerge?
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57 comments:
there was one thing that caught my eye, When arrogant Tom and Cheater Ms. Wilson go and buy a puppy the price is set at 10 dollars , that is a great deal nowadays , taking into account the story is based in the 1920's, are 10 dollars a lot of money? enough to easily separate the rich from the middle class and the poor? another thing , all of this is obviously happening before the great depression, everything sounds so mellow and a like a "good" lifestyle.
Oscar G.
After delving into the first quarter of the novel, it appears as if society is firmly structured upon a hierarchical scale based on geographical location. While East Egg is mainly composed of pure aristocracies, West Egg is composed of those who have just recently struck fortune. On the other end of the spectrum, the valley of the grey ashes is the home of the oppressed proletariat, while New York City is the place where many can hedonistically acquire fame and fortune.
In continuation, Karl Marx also advocated the concept of humanitarianism, the belief that all humans should help one another and strive for unitary coexistence. In this novel, this is obviously not the case. The characters do not support but exploit one another manipulatively, some of whom resort to infidelity, fabrications, and violence to impart a sense of superiority. For instance, Myrtle has an affair with Tom, who turns out to be a wealthy brute—a far cry from her husband, Mr. Wilson, who is a poor yet morally righteous character.
I noticed the affect social class has in the 1920s when it shows that Mrs. Wilson as well as Tom Buchanan are considered to be part of the wealthier class and is relevant when Mrs. Wilson keeps changing her outfits throughout the day and offers to give her outfit to her sister, Catherine, because she plans to buy a new one anyway. Also, when Mrs. Wilson is talking about her husband, Mr. Wilson, she states, "he's below me...i thought he knew something about breeding but he wasn't fit to lick my shoe". This represents how she felt she needs someone on her social class level.
Kelsey E.
I agree with Kelsey; the fact that Mrs. Wilson is constantly changing outfits as if it was nothing reflects highly on the mentality of the wealthy in those times. When she is told that her dress is lovely she replies that it is something she wears only when she doesn't care about her appearance. This emphasizes the availability of the wealthy; they have greater opportunity to spend large quantities of money feeling as though its only a small impact on their wallets. There is a continuous feel for the extravagance of a rich life: the parties, the cars, the clothes, etc.
I noticed the Marxist perspective when the author mentions how the West Egg and the East Egg are separated by the "less fashionable" and the "fashionable." Also, when Tom and Daisy are asking Nick if he is engaged, he says "It's a libel. I'm too poor." This shows that society is more focused on wealth.
Geographically, East Egg seems to be the "original" rich area while West Egg people are new comers. Society consist of rich people with butlers and fancy looking clothes. From a Marxist perspective, it is obvious in the story that everyone wants to be rich and the rich wants to do something outrageous like cheat on their wives. Although Tom is cheating on his wife, he's out with a girl that is not of his social standard which gets the readers to question.
The first 30-60 pages shows how much Nick is a tag along in any situation because he seems to be the glue in any situation, for example when Gatsby showed up at Nick's house when Daisy came over and he told him to back in the room where Daisy was instead of leaving her alone; rude is what he portrayed Gatsby to be.
When Tom is talked about he seems very timid by his surroundings as if he has something else better to do or be. But overall the first 30-60 pages foreshadows a lot of events that pop certain questions up; What will happen to Daisy and Tom? Will Gatsby and Daisy recendle their old flam? What does Nick have to look foward to (relationships)?
I think Fitzgerald made a distinction between West Egg and East Egg by talking about the area between the two. He talked about the ashes that came between the West and East Egg. It was creepy to me because Nick talked about how he saw people and buildings within the ashes. I really think it emphasizes that there is an absence between the regions, perhaps exemplifying the Marxist view in which there is a large gap between the rich and poor classes. Nick seems to be hallucinating that there is an inhabited region between East and West Egg, when in reality, there is nothing.
Graeme Scott
The Marxist perspective is clearly incorporated in he Great Gatsby. It is relevant in the text hat the characters such as Tom and Daisy have a profound opinion on their social hierarchy in a conversation with Nick, "this fellow has worked out the whole thing. It's up to us who are the dominant races to watch out or these other races will have control of things." -Tom "we've got to beat them down"-daisy. This shows the marxist view because it's the same idea as the higher class depriving he lower classes of their opportunities until the poor fight back.
- alyssa lagasca
In the first few pages right from the start, that struggle is evident. The narrator lives within a subtle abode, overshadowed by buildings that practically can be compared to hotels, places that charge prices that make what is paid by our speaker pale in comparison. The west and the east set the standard, tradition versus a wind of new air, so to speak. Those who were born wealthy, and those who seem to be new to such business, as exemplified by characters introduced early on.
I agree with Graeme about the ashes - there seems to be an absence of the poor, as if the struggle has consumed them and instead the rich are now nipping at one another's ankles.
There is an absense of the poor in the first few pages of the novel. The west and the east are also sepearted into two different classes, the fashionable and the less fashionable. The main character, Nick was brought up not to judge people based on appearance or wealth. I believe also that Nick must be poor when Tom and Daisy ask him if he is engaged. I saw the Marxist perspective in this part of the sepeartion between the rich and the poor, where the rich are of course better off and the poor seem to be struggling a lot.
The geography of the West egg, East egg, and the valley of ashes immediately show the Marxist perspective of the categorizing, separating, and hierarchy between different economic classes. The higher class does not take the lower class struggle into consideration. The valley of ashes being made up of the higher classes factories waste shows the exploitation on the lower class having to deal, live, struggle, and work in their mess while the higher class still takes close to all the profits with no struggle at all.
I find the reference to the east and west very interesting. Just as it was earlier in Amercan history the west the place of the self made man where as the east is full of those living on old money. Nick and Mr. Gatsby are both men making it on their own,unlike Tom. This symbolism is further evidence that the novel is very focused on the monetary aspects of life in the 1920,s.
The Marxist perspective definitely is evident in the first 30-60 pages. First, Nick describes his town as being split in the East Egg and the West Egg. It states that the "West Egg..." is the "less fashionable of the two."
You can also see the wealthy class versus the middle class Marxist perspective. When Tom asks, "What you doing, Nick?" Nick says that he's a bond man and he tells Tom who he's a bond man with. Tom then said "Never heard of them." This remark shows how Tom expresses his superiority. It shows an attitude like "if I don't know them, then they're not of importance."
The Marxist perspective is an impression that is noticed from the first 30 to 60 pages. Of the two vicinities, there is a distinction established between them. A hierarchy is foundationed upon the geographical location of East and West Egg. East Egg is inhabited by those who inherited old money, whereas West Egg nest individuals that are poor and mediocre. Society as a whole, target wealth as a priority.
The separation between the rich and poor is seen between Nick and his cousin Daisy. While Nick is subtly getting by in West Egg, the "less fashionable". Daisy is surrounded by enriched living in "fashionable" East Egg.
LauraLee Johnson
The Marxist perspective can be seen in the way the characters of the book interact and respond to their surroundings. Nick is introduced as having a "prominent, well-to-do" family, coming from a more wealthy background. His world is divided into a hierarchy: the West Egg, which is the "less fashionable," and the East Egg. The East Egg is described with "white palaces" and as "fashionable."
Readers see the typical personality of the wealthy in Tom Buchanan, whom Nick introduces as a man with "a supercilious manner" and "established dominance over his face." He believes his white race is the "dominant" one and that "other races" are a threat to them. Because of his race, wealth, and residence in the East Egg Tom knows he is superior.
Gatsby's party that Nick attends shows how the prominent spend their time. They party night until morning, with people they may not even know and without even being officially invited, they just show up.
The main character Nick, is of some wealth and prominence and readers can come to question why he is set apart from the other wealthy, superior characters. He describes himself as "one of the few honest people" he has "ever known," implying that he is surrounded by liars and cheaters but he is one of the few good people.
-Christine De Lara
In the first section of the novel the Marxist perspective is heavily shown. The first time it is shown is that Nick Carraway moved east to New York in order to become a stock broker. This shows that he is attempting to increase his social and economic status in order to rise from the lower classes. Then when he is in New York he decides to room with a friend, however he ends up living alone. The house he rents has a relatively high price considering the economic depression that was occurring at this time. He rents the home instead of buying it so that he can live near the wealthy and appear to be part of the upper class while still living within his means. this shows the distinction between the rich and poor and the poor desire to become rich. Finally while Nick spends time with the rich he notices that they live lavishly. For example Mr. Gatsby throws large parties and spend large amounts of money on food, entertainment and maids/butlers every night. Then when he spends time with tom they buy clothes and spend relatively large amounts on lavish or unnecessary things. This shows the Marxist perspective because it shows that during these economic troubles there is still an upper middle and lower class. The upper or rich class can still afford to live lavishly and and take advantage of the poor.
The relationship between East Egg and West Egg are greatly significant in the Marxist perspective in the Great Gatsby. Though each harbour the fabulously wealthy and sophisticated they differ in the values they believe. East Egg represents the rich in a sense that they inherited their social positions from past generations, while West Egg inspires more of a self-earning fortune. West Egg also reveals the life of the newly rich because they are considered to be flashy.
The two areas West Egg and East Egg consists of two very different places. The West Egg is "less fashionable" and is socially judged based on the their appearance. It is also mentioned how Nick was different from the West Egg neighbors. The ashes that are dumped in the valley associates with the marxist perspective because the poor is always struggling and taken not taken into consideration.
Yuji Usami
From the first 30-60 pages of this book, I noticed that the different classes of society shows to be of great importance. The author has distinguishly pointed out that the wealtheir class to be arrogant. The relationship between Nick and Daisy show's the difference between the rich and the poor and how each class is treated differently and how each class react based on their economic status.
What I have noticed in the first 60 pages of the Great Gatsby is that the rich would throw parties with truck loads of liquor and party supplies while the working and lower classes work for the partying rich by be waiters or shoveling up Ash.
A question would arise is why not have everyone treated as equals or better yet what kind of jobs do these rich families own.
In the 1920's, only a small number of people are part of the rich class evidenced by being pampered and living on islands off the coast of New York. Also, that there is a large working class and that they taken for granted as slaves to make the rich class prosperous. This concludes that America is separted among the classes and thus the society is divided among those class lines based on economic status. The major characters on the other hand begin to have suspicious attitudes toward their host, Gatsby.
James Lee
Throughout the first 30 to 60 pages of the book, I noticed how society geographically separates its people by economic status—even within the same group. For example, all the residents of both the East and West Eggs are upper class, yet they are divided. I agree with Justin Ramos in that this is a hierarchy, particularly a society of levels within levels; West Egg seems to be referred to as the lower level of the upper class, while East Egg is referred to as the higher level of the upper class. This novel hints that those who are born into a wealthy family will always live wealthy, particularly those of the White race. For example, Tom bursts that “Civilization’s going to pieces,” then claiming that the “dominant race”—the White race—must maintain control, otherwise those of “these other races”—the minorities— will rise to power (17). One question that came to my thought involved the concept of money truly bringing happiness to an individual, a couple, or an entire family—does money really contribute to a blissful life? The answer is no. Considering Tom’s wealth, if money did bring happiness, would he not be happy in his marriage and, naturally, give the utmost loyalty to his wife, Daisy, rather than committing infidelity with another woman? This extramarital affair is evidence that though money is a key essential to living in American society, it is certainly not the only thing that guarantees happiness.
Tom Buchanan is characterized as a complete arrogant and intimidating man, for his wealth and muscular body is the ideal of a very powerful man. Daisy Buchanan is the type of woman that prefers to be taken care of in the best way she knows how—by an extremely wealthy husband, no matter how poorly she is being treated by him. This is demonstrated in the fact that Daisy acknowledges her husband’s infidelity and is angered by it (as shown in page 19), but remains in the marriage nonetheless. Thus, Daisy stays in her unhappy marriage for the security she is provided. Nick Carraway, although a wealthy man, appears to be a very lonely, considering his frequent visits East Egg—another example proving that money does not determine happiness.
When reading this novel, I noticed that there is a Marxist Perspective. It is shown with the separation of the West Egg and East Egg, where the East Egg is the wealthier part and the West Egg is not. Also the way Nick describes Tom's outfit and house demonstrates how wealthy Tom is. Another thing I noticed is when Nick gave the comment that he 'see's' the lifestyles of the millionaires for 'eighty dollars a month'.
In the reading "The Great Gatsby," wealth was always talked about in the novel as well as what type of class you are in. In the first 30- 60 pages, it showed the extravagant parties that Gatsby held. Inviting the most important people. It showed that during the 1920's everything was doing well for everyone. Everyone lived lavishly. The charcters were from well backgrounds, for example; Tom Buchanan came from a wealthy family and never had to worry about money during his college days. Both Daisy and Tom lived in lavish homes. But were unhappy with eachother. During the first 30-60 pages, Tom was cheating on Daisy. In opening the book, it showed that everyone had something to hide. Tom was linked to Myrtle, Myrtle was married to Wilson, Tom was married to Daisy, and lastly Daisy was linked with Gatsby. This foreshadows a unhappy ending to all of them.
Tiny Rose Medallo
While reading this book through a Marxist lens I noticed the East Egg and West Egg differences where the East is where the wealthy reside and the West is where the lower class resides. This captures the 1920's Marxist differences within the economy. Also the words shared between Tom and Nick display the differences between the richer and the poorer and how the richer are in a way suppressing the poorer classes.
Jillian Buenviaje
The book starts with the 2 sides of the neighborhood, there's the "original" rich side which is East Egg and the "new" rich, West Egg. In an economic perspective, it seems like the economy was doing better since there's new rich people. Gatsby was introduced in this part where he throws big parties, it seems like he's trying too hard to impress the people from the East Egg since he lives in the West Egg which means he was poor before and now become rich. It seems like the poor people are trying to impress or become the same level as the rich people.
At this time of the story, it is clear that America has not hit a block in its capitalistic practice. Meaning, that America has not reached the Great Depression. The reason why the author centers the story's time before that event is to reveal the habits of the rich. Those who are corrupted by capitalism. Gatsby and Tom are perfect examples of those corrupted by it. Tom shows his flaw through his incapability of being faithful to his wife. This is a flaw caused by capitalism because having money means power. The power he feels gives him the incentive to lust after others, thus his affair.
For Gatsby, he shows his corruption by how he spends his money. Gatsby carelessly wastes money on random parties that last days. He even allows strangers to attend his parties. Somehow Gatsby remains lonely.
In a way, one can use these characters as examples as to why one should not tolerate capitalism. Tom shows the fraud in it and Gatsby reveals the loneliness gained from it.
-Eriel Carino
It is shown in the first 60 pages that it is in a Marxist perspective how geographically they are separated in "east egg" and "west egg". Where in east egg the wealthier part of the community lives and west egg is where the poor lives. You can tell how the society differs back then in the 1920's and compare it to how it is now.
Kevin Mendoza
As I have learned in economics class, the great depression was and has been the worst moment in American life speaking economically considering that many lost lives, the hope for living the American dream, and also jobs. From the Marxist perspective I have noticed that thir money is preious but the characters seem to not take in considerance the fact that they have some. What I am trying to explain is that they spend their money unwisely and all they do as many may presume is flaunt it and drink at "important people" parties not knowing the cruel world that other economic classes have to live and still have the guts to criticize the environment that those other classes live in. What I found ironic is that in the begginingbof the novel the narrator speaks of his father wise word in saying nor to judge people because they have not had the advantages that he has yet his friends are nevertheless exactly those kind of people. In this book the Marxist perspective is that America was at a peak in economic terms. The loss of money is yet to be discovered.
Sunny Avila
As I have learned in economics class, the great depression was and has been the worst moment in American life speaking economically considering that many lost lives, the hope for living the American dream, and also jobs. From the Marxist perspective I have noticed that thir money is preious but the characters seem to not take in considerance the fact that they have some. What I am trying to explain is that they spend their money unwisely and all they do as many may presume is flaunt it and drink at "important people" parties not knowing the cruel world that other economic classes have to live and still have the guts to criticize the environment that those other classes live in. What I found ironic is that in the begginingbof the novel the narrator speaks of his father wise word in saying nor to judge people because they have not had the advantages that he has yet his friends are nevertheless exactly those kind of people. In this book the Marxist perspective is that America was at a peak in economic terms. The loss of money is yet to be discovered.
Sunny Avila
The first 30-60 pages of the book i noticed that the Marxist perspective deals with the division between the East Egg and West Egg,the fashionable vs. less fashionable. the ashes symbolizes the struggles of being poor. "I married him because I thought he was a gentleman...I thought he knew something about breeding, but he wasn't fit to lick my shoe” Being an East egg, wanted someone up to their status and not being wealthy enough didn’t fit their standards.
Concerning marxism, I found that each individual dealt with the Great Depression era differently. The 1920s proposed challenges in the economy, which resulted in the change of the everyday American lifestyle. As some mentioned earlier, Mrs. Wilson indirectly flaunted her clothing. However, from page one, Nick portrayed his humility through his father's advice. The marxist approach then, is a valid one, considering the adjusted lifestyles and economic shift evident in The Great Gatsby.
In the first 30-60 pages of the story I noticed the seperation between the West and East Egg. Although they are "identical in contour and separated only by a courtesy bay," Fitzgerlad tells the difference of how each neighborhood obtained their wealth.
Those living in West Egg are the "newly rich;" the people who have worked hard and earned their money in a short period of time. Their wealth is based on material possessions. Gatsby is an example of those living in the West Egg, working for a short period of time to obtain wealth. East Egg is the "fashionable" group of social class, also known as "old money" or people who have always had money. Tom and Daisy are examples of having lived in the wealthy upper class for most of their lives.
In the Great Gatsby Nick as well as his family and friends is part of the wealthy elite. Nick is not the wealthiest but his family is. They can afford to send him to school to become a bond man. The fact that he is a bond man is a reflection of society. That at this time people were wealthy and ca afford putting money into bonds. Later you see how Daisy and Tom are wealthy. They leave a in a beautiful house. Also Tom flaunts his money. He buys his mistress all sorts of things. He also talks about spending thousands of dollars in Monte Carlo. But, there still is a poor. Between West Egg and New York is the ghetto. Or what Nick calls them the "Ashes".
One of the first things i noticed was that the Marxist perspective when the author mentions how the 'West Egg' and the 'East Egg' are separated by the "less fashionable" and the "fashionable." The impression that thier society is more focused on wealth comes from the conversations that the character have. Giving an example that Nick is west , and Daisy is east.
- SASHA M. SANCHEZ
One of the first things i noticed was that the Marxist perspective when the author mentions how the 'West Egg' and the 'East Egg' are separated by the "less fashionable" and the "fashionable." The impression that thier society is more focused on wealth comes from the conversations that the character have. Giving an example that Nick is west , and Daisy is east.
- SASHA M. SANCHEZ
I completely understand how many people can look at this novel from the Marxist perspective, especially when Nick Carraway mentions the divisions between the East and the West Eggs, and adds the ashes- which create a greater sense of division. But I believe the ashes have a different meaning; it is not necessarily a division between the rich and the poor- it is more like an invisibility blanket. All of the protagonists come from the West and decide to go to the East to create a new lifestyle, find that sense of importance that the West could not supply them with, and of course, to make a fortune. And what better way to make a fortune, or climb up the social ladder than in a place where people don’t know, and have not a clue about your past?
Now, back to the popular Marxist belief, I have to say, I don’t believe that this part of the story actually represents the Marxist ideal. Of course everyone wanted to be rich, this story takes place during “The Roaring Twenties” for crying out loud! It was an era where America was untouchable, there was a booming economy (although it would not last forever) and America had international admiration and respect: she had just triumphed in the Great War! Now we have to take into consideration that this wish has not disappeared throughout the decades if America is still the land of opportunities now, then the more it was back in the day. So, if the poor are pictured in the novel it does not necessarily mean they are oppressed, they just want to have what they don’t posses. Also, the rich are portrayed as superficial, wasteful people with unending resources, but that does not mean that those characteristics were indigenous to that era- how many people do we not read on the tabloids that squander away their money at every chance they get and are only interested in themselves?
The beginning of the novel is used to introduce the two separate worlds within the same city. Both East and West egg are the neighborhoods for the rich, the only difference is that one is for those who seen as aristocrats with connections and things of that nature, where the other is home for the newly rich. The living styles between these two groups differ as well. The novel does an excellent job making sure that it's apparent these two separate areas are different.
The importance of West and East egg is that it separates the "wealthy" from the just "rich". The "rich" are the ones who have recently acquired their wealth, such as Nick and Gatsby, who live in the West Egg. The East egg, however, is for the people who's families were rich, and pure chance helped them become wealthy and are considered "old money". The difference in attitudes of these two kinds of people are shown through characters such as Nick and Tom. Tom, who lives in East Egg, is arrogant because he has always had money. Nick, on the other hand, seems to be more considerate of others because he has acquired his wealth and knows the work it took to acquire it. Gatsby is the exception to this, I believe, because although he is not as arrogant as Tom, he does throw lavish parties and basically "flaunts" his wealth.
The poor are not mentioned in the Great Gatsby, which I think represents the thought that the poor don't really matter, when in fact they make up the majority of the population.
-Kimberly Parra
Reading the first 30-60 pages really made me want to ask questions like 'What is Gatsby's purpose in the book? (Besides the title)' 'Who was he, is he, and wants to be?' and also 'Why is he very fond of Nick?'
Knowing that Nick has been neighbor for so long he barely now invites him to his parties, but anyone who's anyone can go anyways. And I believe that this will foreshadow a series of unfortunate events in the future.
The novel obviously takes place in the booming 20s. Gatsby throws a party several times per month, inviting guests famous and infamous, invited and uninvited. This couldn't have been in the Great Depression; they'd be partying in a shantytown and everywhere would feel like the "valley of ashes" which is commonly referred to. There is a mysterious aura at this point. Gatsby blends into his party without standing out too much, and Tom's mistress is the wife of an auto mechanic (Mr. Wilson), who is among the lower classes of society. Tom, being wealthy and relentless, doesn't care less about him. Mr. Wilson works hard in his garage every day while Tom only needs money to woo Ms. Wilson.
Obviously, something very sketchy is going on. Strange things happen, and can even be called absurd. An owl-eyed drunk ponders on what the books in the library mean, a guest crashes not too far from Gatsby's house, and a mistress is already at play. This is deliberately incorporated to show how ridiculous, but efficient, the exploiting of others can do for you in America.
I noticed that in the Great Gatsby, Social classes play to some importance. Though i do agree with Angelica on the fact that, those born into wealth and those who are freshly brought into it are being introduced early on in the text. On that note, i also agree with Graeme on how there seems to be a large gap between both of the classes, one is ' fashionable' and is better off. while one is ' Not fashionable' and has to struggle to make ends meet.
Most obviously stated in the introduction of this book is this reoccurring motif of societal interaction: is is applicable to say that the environment in which these characters envelope themselves in a true factor to which seems to build their moral attitudes, their character? Of course it does. Tom would serve as a perfect candidate to epitomize the aristocracy of those in East Egg. It is quite peculiar that the Buchanan's are somewhat elegant and subtle (as it is shown by their house, and Daisy's constant change of attire), but yet beneath such showy presentation of elegance lies a strained relationship. The irony found in this is exactly what Fitzgerald was meant to explicate: that society and the status of economic wealth is merely an enigma to which these characters are too blind to fathom. To Fitzgerald, it seems as if this peculiar setting implied the downward spiral of the American economy and its inhabitants so infatuated with this pleasure of wealth
Within the first portion of this novel the Marxist perspective is apparent that money is more profuse in the West Egg, where both Mrs. Wilson and Tom live; and as for the East Egg it is apparent that they are the less fortunant who have more struggles as Nick does.Also it is the Marxist view is defined when Tom says "we've got to beat them down" meaning that the higher class must keep control over the lower class(East Egg) to keep power in their social hierarchy.
Rebecca Dayton
It is apparent that the Marxist perspective is used in the Great Gatsby.Fitzgerald describes the difference between east and west egg, shows the separation of the upper class lower class.Each have different beliefs and lived both different lifestyles.Tom and Daisy live on the East which are considered to live on the "wealthy" class while Nick and Gatsby are on the west, which are considered to be " less fashionable"
-yoli
Knowing this book was taken place in the twenties/ "roaring twenties" i know that it was a fun time filled with jazz music, the charleston,, and a lot of drinking. however, the twenties were primarily an era of posibilities and aspirations. Gatsby strongly illustrates this theme by expecting that he can buy anything-especially Daisy. the geography of new york also plays a big role in that east egg is primarily is "fashionable" and on the other side seperated by the lake which is west egg is "less fashionable".also mrs.wilson is constantly changing and offering her dress to her sister because she claims she can just buy a new one like its nothing.
We learn how economic classes are separated by the wealthy west and the poor east. In the first 60 pages, we see how easy and care free the wealthy have had with the parties and clothes and other luxuries for example the ease it was to purchase a dog for 10 dollars. And while Mr. Wilson is running shop, rich Tom comes to cheat on his wife with Myrtle and later on breaks her nose. As for Gatsby, he holds giant parties with live music, feasts, and drinks flowing. Daisy is superficial and is somewhat appearing to be uncairing for her child.
The beginning of the novel really sets the story up for the events that follow. From the Marxist perspective, one would see the positive notes of an engaging society where anyone can reach a level of wealth akin to those around them. Religion does not seem to play a large role, but consumerism and societal quirks of politics play a large part in the relationships between characters.
The major characters seem to all be described first by symbols of their financial standing. There is not much to be said about anything else except the stark attitudes that some of the characters have in terms of wealth and power. There seems to be a struggle between classes early in the novel.
From my perspective, the idea that they use the terms " West" and "East" Eggs show that there is a fine line being drawn between the rich and the poor. It is more clearly stated when Nick is stated to be driving from the "West" to the "East", noting the fact that the old style houses is practically a neighbor to the new, rich style houses.
the perspective of marxist was shown when the author states the west egg and the east egg are divided by the difference of qualities of fashion "less fashinable" and "fashinable". in addition the society based of the author is concentrated on wealth "it's a libel. i'm too poor"
Imran S. Hoque
the marixst perspective was showen when the difference between the west and east egg arose sperated by "fashionable" and "less fashionable". in addition it is clearly seen that money is a major compound in there socieyt "it's a libel. i;m too poor" towards the engagement of nick
Imran S. Hoque
The distinction made about the East Egg and West Egg is something that stands out as a financial distinction in society. Compared to the more modern decades that follow this book we see that this separation is still applicable. While the East coast is inhabited by families who inherit their wealth down the family tree, we also have the West coast, filled with the self-made millionaires such as celebrities. In reference to the book, Gatsby and Nick would be the westerner self-made rich men. As oppose to Tom who is an Easterner at heart and inherited his wealth.
In the Great Gatsby Long Island is divided into West Egg and East Egg. West Egg seems to be mainly comprised of middle class citizens and those who have just become wealthy. East Egg appears to be exclusively comprised of the rich. From a Marxist perspective, the rich seem to not care about the poor and take everything away from them. This is evident in Tom's relationship with Myrtle. Tom is a very wealthy character and basically has everything. Contrastingly, Myrtyle's husband Wilson could barely make ends meet as a car mechanic living at his shop. However, Tom tried to take away the only thing Wilson really had, which was his wife Myrtle.
It is very marxist with the seperation between west egg and east egg sort of upper class lower class.
The main characters in this story are white, with money. In the first 30-60 pages, we already see that the Buchanans have more than they need, they live lavishly. And as for Myrtle, she has more than enough money to get her by. She gets anything she wants. Nick also mentions that his house and Tom's house are in different neighboorhoods, seperated by wealth. I'm sure we will see a lot more seperation of classes througout the rest of the novel.
Through the Marxist perspective,it is evident that the geography symbolizes the classes themselves. I can see that most of my classmates agree as well and it isn't surprising because it is quite obvious when Fitzgerald describes the West Egg as "less fashionable", probably referring to the middle class, than the East, referring to the upper class.
-Dominique Rillo
There is a sense of hierarchy in the means of economic wealth in the setting of New York, where in Manhattan Bay, a well known area of extreme wealth, is even divided into two: the old money and the new money aristocrats. Although at the top of the economic food chain, there is still a dissenting feeling amongst the aristocracy crowd. For example, even though Gatsby has a fortune the size of the Buchanan’s, hosting extravagant parties for those of elevated economic wealth, and a magnificent mansion, he does not compare to Tom and Daisy, who have had their money for many generations. Not only that, but Gatsby obtained this money through illegal means. By geographically separating the old from the new, the author makes it evident that there is a difference and a great divide between the rich. Through the Marxist perspective, we see that even the rich do not aid one another, inviting others to parties, for example, an old money family inviting a new money family for brunch or tea. And in a world where even those of the same class, regardless how you earned your money, will not reach out to another shows corruption in itself.
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