Gatsby's Gorgeous Car

Abstract

Growing up F. Scott Fitzgerald longed to be a part of the leisure class with whom he socialized and was educated. However, born into a middle class family and destined to be a writer, he never achieved that goal. This preoccupation with the leisure class continued into adulthood and was reflected in his works of fiction. In his writing he repeatedly depicts the outsider, a middle class character who by the means of monetary wealth hopes to rise in society. Through his relationship with the object, this outsider attempts to become a part of the elite and is rejected. Mannerisms and social codes that can only be learned by high birth restrict this individual from reaching social heights. The new wealth of the 1920's creates a paradox for the outsider. The object that the leisure class possesses is easily attainable, however, the upward movement it promises is still out of reach.