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Money and Happiness in The Great Gatsby Essay

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Money Equals Happiness in The Great Gatsby

Throughout history many societies have had upper, middle, and lower classes. The classes formed separate communities of diverse living and never crossed social barriers. In the book, The Great Gatsby, instead of streets and communities separating each class there was a sound. On West Egg, the rich received their money not from inheritance but from what they accomplished by themselves. They worked hard for their money and received no financial support from their families. These people gained in one of two ways; either they worked for it or relied on illegal means for survival. On the other hand, or island, East Egg natives represent the class of society that receive money from their
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Their money corrupts them into thinking that they are untouchable.

'Don't tell me, old sport.' He winced. 'Anyhow-Daisy stepped on it. I tried to make her stop but she couldn't so I pulled the emergency brake. Then she fell over into my lap and I drove on' (151).

Both Daisy and Tom are incapable of guilt and believe if they have a lot of money then they can get away from any situation. Tom's behavior clearly reveals his lack of guilt when he fails to react to the death of his mistress. He regarded her as an object which really meant nothing to him. He showed her off and used her just like everyone else in his life. Tom's carelessness and money powered mind makes himthink he can cheat on Daisy because he does not believe he has to answer to anyone for his behavior. " 'That fellow had it coming to him. He threw dust in your eyes just like he did in Daisy's but he was a tough one. He ran over Myrtle like you'd run over a dog and never stopped his car," (187). Tom had every intention in convincing everyone that Gatsby was the one who killed Mrytle with his car. He didn't care what happened to Gatsby just as long as the blame wasn't on Daisy. Then he makes up the idea of Gatsby telling lies to Nick and Daisy. Tom doesn't care who he hurts as long as the outcome of it is beneficial for him. Tom and Daisy seek justification in only their values when it suits them. Tom and Daisy are products of the
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