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Materialism and Idealism in The Great Gatsby The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a novel which deals with the quest for wealth and power in society, in order for Gatsby's happiness to be fulfilled . The main character Jay Gatsby believes that if he achieves ....

Middle of Essay
.... The materialism in the novel is of more importance to the characters than idealism. Gatsby feels that the only way to achieve idealism is through materialism, he said, "She only married you because I was poor and she was tired of waiting for me."1 He believes that Daisy would be his if he had money. The story deals with the pursuit of happiness, with money as the driving force. Gatsby feels that material wealth alone can bring the dream to life which ends up not being the case. Gatsby thinks that money is the answer to all of his problems and obstacles which he encounters throughout his life. Since Gatsby thinks money can bring happiness, he buys ....