Charlotte Wallace

Mr. Smith

F block

5/6/24

The Great Gatsby depicted through a Marxist Lens

In the novel, “The Great Gatsby”, it portrays Jay Gatsby using his wealth and economic

status to have Daisy back in his life; the film similarly shows this idea through the way the

characters present themselves. Gatsby attempts to win back Daisy’s love through becoming

extremely wealthy and powerful. He believes that through having a lot of money and throwing

parties, he would be able to break down the social boundaries between them. Through both the

novel and Luhrmann's film portrays his assumption that wealth will allow him to succeed in

society and get what he wants.

Gatsby believes that power and success can break down the social limits that separate

them, which is the key factor with his obsessive pursuit of Daisy. Gatsby returns from the war

determined to win Daisy back after years being separated from one another. When seeing her for

the first time “He hadn't once ceased looking at Daisy, and I think he revalued everything in his

house according to the measure of response it drew from her well-loved eyes” (pg. 67). Although

he hadn't seen her for years it was clear that they still had a connection within. He understands

that he needs to rise to her social standing in order to get her back. Therefore, with his

materialistic aspirations his quest for wealth is motivated by his desire to win Daisy’s love.

Gatsby’s lavish parties are evidence of his increase in power and riches. This was his way to

impress Daisy with his newly acquired lifestyle and try to get her attention by throwing these

parties. Fitzgerald shows this by writing, “There was music from my neighbor’s house through
the summer nights. In his blue gardens, men and girls came and went like moths among the

whisperings and the champagne and the stars” (pg. 39). As an addition to serving social

gatherings, his parties are planned displays of his riches, intended for Daisy. Gatsby’s purchase

of the home and the other items that were intended for him and Daisy, shows his belief that by

having economic growth and power ultimately would help gain his love back from Daisy.

Fitzgerald had characterized his home as “A colossal affair by any standard-it was a factual

imitation of some Hotel de Ville in Normandy, with a tower on one side, spanking new under a

thin beard of raw ivy” (pg. 9). Through this depiction of his home it shows how he thinks that by

owning a property that big would win over Daisy’s love. His home is a reflection of his

ambitions with his thoughts of Daisy and him. His romanticized perception of Daisy as an

example of his desires is another way that his obsession is clear. Her character is highlighted by

his description of her as “the girl whose disembodied face floated along the dark cornices and

blinding signs”(pg. 93). He is driven to chase wealth and power with a constant dedication

because of his romanticized vision of Daisy. He has also claimed that you “Can’t repeat the past?

Why of course you can!” (pg. 110), emphasizes his belief in the changing power of love.

This is also demonstrated visually in Luhrmann’s film, the extravagant decorations and

the costumes in the movie effectively convey the contrast between Daisy’s privileged upbringing

and Gatsby’s newly rich lifestyle. While Daisy’s house has a sense of classic elegance, Gatsby’s

house is portrayed in one scene as an extravagant mansion with laughter all around and people

jumping into the pool and all having a good time. Specifically, during the hotel room scene it

was shown that there had been tension in the room with Gatsby and Tom over Daisy. Gatsby’s

desire to have Daisy back was shown by his tone towards Tom and his body language also

showed his desires. During this scene Tom had thrown accusations at Gatsby. Tom was trying to
rip him apart so that he wouldn't have a chance to get with Daisy. During this scene Daisy had

been put in the middle where she was confused with which side to decide.

The difference in social standing between the two characters is further explained by this

visual comparison. Gatsby and Daisy might have been in love, however their relationship is

ultimately lost because of their social classes. Daisy had chosen to stay with her husband, Tom

Buchanan, reflecting her desire for someone with wealth. Tom had stated, “She’s not leaving me!

Certainly not for a common swindler who’d have to steal the ring he put on her finger” (pg. 140).

Gatsby’s need to be with her is ultimately hampered due to difference in class, which is

illustrated through Tom’s harsh words.

In this novel Gatsby’s constant ambition for power and wealth is what defines his attempt

to have Daisy back. He tries to close the distance between himself and her with his parties and

expensive belongings, thinking this will win her back. However, in the end his obsession with

power and wealth proves to be his downfall as he discovers that genuine love can’t be acquired

by materialistic means. This connects to the movie as well because it depicts the social and

economic divide between the two characters.

Skill N Foundational Proficient Advanced

Y

Thesis Establishes *previous and *previous and

a basic Indicates the Effectively & clearly
claim relationship conveys the
Mentions between texts relationship between
both texts Claim is a texts & and the
Specifically reasonable message or
mentions or interpretation interpretation that
alludes to a and moves can be determined
 critical lens beyond Clearly developed
summary throughout essay
Developed
throughout
essay

Claims Makes a *Previous (and) *Previous (and)

statement Somewhat Considers the thesis
that requires considers the of the paper
evidence to thesis Effective use of
support Somewhat transition
developed words/phrases
through Clearly developed
paragraph through paragraph

Evidence Includes *previous and *previous and

evidence Includes multiple Includes a variety of
from both pieces of specific, meaningful,
texts (either evidence/ and well-chosen
quotes or examples that evidence that relates
examples) clearly relate to to the thesis
Most the thesis,
evidence individual claims,
relates to and critical lens
lens Includes multiple
pieces of
evidence in each
body paragraph

Analysis Somewhat Explains how Explains

explains evidence well-selected points
how supports topic of comparison
evidence sentence of among evidence
supports individual and their connection
topic paragraphs to the thesis
sentence Explains how
and thesis evidence
supports the
thesis of the
essay
Some use of film
specific
vocabulary

MLA Some elements missing No errors in MLA format

or some errors in MLA
format
Conventio Shows Most quotes are All quotes are
ns evidence of correctly correctly integrated
basic integrated Shows evidence of
proofreadin Follows essay careful proofreading
g organization
Shows evidence
of proofreading

Fluency Simple use Demonstrates Strong use of of

of use of grade vocabulary, diction,
vocabulary level vocabulary, sentence structures
Simple diction, sentence
sentence structures
structures Accurate use of
text specific
vocabulary