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Essay / The Destructive Power of Greed in The Great Gatsby Greed is a recurring theme that underlies the actions of many characters. From the extravagances of Jay Gatsby to the blatant materialism of Daisy Buchanan, the novel explores the consequences of unchecked greed and its impact on individuals and society as a whole. This essay will analyze the manifestation of greed in the novel, the motivations behind it, and the physical and emotional consequences it imposes on the characters. By examining how Fitzgerald uses greed as a literary tool, we can better understand the novel and its themes. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Manifestation of Greed in The Great Gatsby One of the most obvious manifestations of greed in The Great Gatsby is the character of Jay Gatsby himself. Gatsby is driven by a single-minded desire for wealth and status. His accumulation of wealth is not only a means but an end in itself. He throws lavish parties, drives an expensive car, and wears expensive clothes, all in an effort to impress those around him. Gatsby's goal is to become part of the elite society that he considers himself a part of. This quest for wealth blinded him to the illegality of his business activities, which ultimately led to his downfall. Daisy Buchanan, on the other hand, is motivated by a different kind of greed. She is more interested in material possessions than status or power. This is evidenced by the way she is obsessed with her luxurious home and the way she adorns herself with expensive jewelry and clothes. Daisy was spoiled by her upbringing and conditioned to believe that material objects can bring happiness. However, her greed for material goods ultimately leads her to make bad decisions, much like Gatsby. She puts her own desires ahead of those of others, which leads to tragic consequences. Tom Buchanan, Daisy's husband, is yet another example of the manifestation of greed in The Great Gatsby. Tom is motivated by a more fundamental greed, that of power. He uses his wealth and status to control those around him, including his wife, and is not afraid to use violence to get what he wants. Tom's desire for power and control is a reflection of the patriarchal society he lives in, but it is also a reflection of his own character flaws. Motivations Behind Greed The motivations behind greed in The Great Gatsby vary from one character to another. For Gatsby, it is the desire to be accepted by society and to win back the love of his life, Daisy. For Daisy, it's material goods and a life of luxury. For Tom, it's the desire for control and power. Although the motivations may differ, the end result is often the same: characters are consumed by their greed, leading to tragic consequences. The Physical and Emotional Toll of Greed Perhaps one of the most striking examples of the physical and emotional toll of greed is the character of Myrtle Wilson. Myrtle is driven by a desire to escape her impoverished life and achieve a level of luxury that is impossible for her. She indulges in an affair with Tom Buchanan, hoping that he will save her from her miserable existence. However, his desire for a better life ultimately leads to his death. Myrtle is killed by Daisy while fleeing the scene of a car accident, all because of her greed for a better life. Keep.
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