Introduction
‘The Great Gatsby’ book is a novel that reveals the miseries the rich people have, despite having a lot of wealth. To be analyzed is the way in which the book portrays various lifestyles of different people justifying the statement that ‘money can not buy everything’ (Zafon, 2010).
Discussion
“I hope she’ll be a fool—that’s the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.” These words appear in chapter one in which they were said by Daisy describing her hopes for her little daughter; Jordan and Nick. Daisy’s words, though not that relevant to the theme of the book describe her being not only rich but also part of the social world. She wishes her daughter not only to come from a strong economic background; but also a desirable social environment (Seligman, 2003).
On the basis of this, she comes to a point of not valuing intelligent women who to an extent do not find happiness in their marriage. Her arguments are based on the fact that; the older generation values women who stay at their homes serving their husbands as opposed to the younger generation, which values pleasurable activities (Thaler &Sunstein, 2009).
“The truth was that Jay Gatsby of West Egg, Long Island, sprang from his Platonic conception of himself. He was a son of God…” These words are found in chapter six which was said by Nick describing Gatsby, as being like Jesus the son of God. This comparison is significant in the sense that in her history, Gatsby is said to have been the creator of her own identity. In this respect, therefore, Nick’s comparison of Gatsby to Jesus Christ reflects how Gatsby was a wealthy and very beautiful girl, yet she lacked happiness in her life. More precisely, considering the life of Jesus Christ who was the son of God the Almighty; his suffering is evident to the extent that in addition to the suffering he is even rejected by his own people (Seligman, 2003).
This comparison of Gatsby and Jesus Christ gives a clear picture of how Gatsby’s life was a lonely one despite being very wealthy and beautiful. Gatsby’s life was full of obstacles that prevented her from getting what she needed, as a result of living an anti-social life (Zafon, 2010).
“….and perhaps we possessed some deficiency in common which made us subtly inadaptable to Eastern life.” These words appear in chapter nine and form a conclusion to the book whose speaker is Nick, as he was meditating on the lifestyle he was living. There is great segregation of lifestyles between the people living in the East and those living in the West. Nick comes to a realization that, despite his life being centered on the East Coast, he had acquired a Western character. Based on this fact, he thereafter comes to realize that despite being very rich and wealthy; one needs to access some other life values that make life better and more enjoyable like happiness (Gilbert, 2007).
Considering the above statement, the social part of life must be acquired for happiness to prevail among individuals. Based on this Nick comes to realize that, some deficiencies in life though not openly recognized, are very crucial as they play a great role in enhancing happiness among individuals (Gilbert, 2007).
Conclusion
The Great Gatsby is a book that unveils the instrumental role of the social aspect of life among people; which not only concentrates on the economic part of it. In contemporary society, it is of great importance to realize that life values are not only based on money alone but also on socialization.
Work cited
Gilbert, Daniel. “Stumbling On Happiness”. New York: Harper Perennial Publishers. (2007): 233-254.
Nettle, Daniel. “Happiness: The Science Behind Your Smile”. New York: Oxford University Press. (2006): 123-165.
Seligman, Martin. “Authentic Happiness”. Boston: Nicholas Brealey Publishing. (2003): 100-167.
Thaler, Richard. & Sunstein, Cass. “Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth and Happiness”. London: Penguin Book Publishers. (2009): 200-239.
Zafon, Carlos. “The Angel’s Game”. London: Phoenix Publishers, 2010: 25-76.
Sharma, Robin. “The Greatness Guide 2”. Mumbai: Jaico Publishing House. (2008): 441-446.