The Great Gatsby Blog: Text Connection

            Jay Gatsby has an undeniable obsession with wealth and success. So much so that he becomes entangled in a series of illegal activities to acquire wealth. It becomes evident to the reader that Daisy is just a symbol of wealth to Gatsby and he wishes to obtain her to fulfill his dreams. Due to prosperity of the 1920’s, there was a surge of personal pleasures and living was no longer about survival, but about thriving. With the economic boom, American’s dreams were suddenly attainable. However, the big dreaming and self-pleasing society often was corrupt. Jay Gatsby is a prime example. In our day, this “me first” attitude has become a norm. We want more, and like Gatsby, some people are willing to compromise their moral to get it. Event’s like “Black Friday” show society’s complete negligence of generosity and a tremendous lack of thankfulness. Do we not see how much we really have? Or do we just desire more with the misconception that it will bring happiness? Just like Jay Gatsby, many people are sacrificing their conscious for wealth. Though not as extreme, the woman who pepper sprayed another costumer to get the last “Xbox 360” at Wal-Mart, is a perfect example. It has been said that too much of a good thing can be bad. Wealth, and the idea of “thriving” through life has taken over the minds of American’s in this day just as much, if not more, than in the 1920’s. Yes, wealth, if in the right hands, can do so much good. However, wealth has consumed our society. We seem to have forgotten that personal relationships, the great outdoors, knowledge, and even tribulation can bring immense happiness and growth. Rather than being content in these things, American’s spend money and most of their time trying to reach a higher place than they are. The dream, the obsession with wealth, the desire for more are all present in Jay Gatsby’s life. In fact, he is the epitome of the “me first” society that inhabits America today.