Aws Fadhil

English

Mrs. Seeck

2/28/23

Gatsby

In one way or another, anyone reading this sentence conforms to society somehow.

Whether you dress a certain way or talk in a certain manner, we all conform to some set of

standards. This is a fact of life, but for some it can be taken too far. The Great Gatsby was a man

whose goal was to become an “ideal” man, and this means chasing both wealth and power at any

cost, because that is exactly what society idealizes. This idealization of these superficial traits

leads to people forcing themselves to become something they are not, creations of fake personas

and unrealistic standards.

Some might disagree with this, and say that these standards and ideals in society are

actually beneficial because it pushes people to become the best version of themselves, however

this is just untrue. While some people may actually put in the work and achieve their goals

legitimately, we see that a large number of people cut corners to achieve these goals. They take

the easy route which leads to less growth and passion in various fields. An article by USAToday

details multiple very high class citizens using their money to cut corners in order to achieve

things that ordinary people wouldn't be able to (Puente 1). A specific example of this in the

article is when parents of high status paid off testing officers and schools to be able to fake SAT

and ACT scores. This completely dismantles the argument that high standards lead to growth,

because people will fake achievements to create “better” versions of themselves. This is also

demonstrated in the Great Gatsby when Lucille talks about her gifted dress. “Sure I did. I was
going to wear it tonight, but it was too big in the bust and had to be altered. It was gas blue with

lavender beads. Two hundred and sixty-five dollars" (Fitzgerald 43). This quote is a

demonstration of people caring more about the idea of extravagance, than the act of kindness, or

practical use of the gift. This applies outside of items as well, as people judge people more for

their achievements than their actions or intentions.

This idealization doesn’t only happen when it comes to gifts, friends, or love

interests, it also applies to world leaders and politicians. A cartoon by polyp.org shows a world

leader talking to the people about his goals on a stage (Polyp 1). He states his goals are to

eradicate poverty, but in the very next sentence clarifies that he will only do so as long as it does

not disturb or affect the rich. This is a prime example of idealization of wealth in government

systems, because similarly to the parents who faked their students test scores, or Gatsby who

faked his extravagance and personality, this world leader is faking his intentions to appeal to a

group of people even though he doesn't align himself with those goals. To become liked by the

people the leader had to conform to their standards, never truly expressing his own goals or

intentions which is exactly what happens when society idealizes wealth and power over other

more genuine traits.

The Great Gatsby was never truly great, but only appeared so because he chased an

image of himself that would make him more agreeable, and more likable. The influence of

societal standards for things such as wealth and power led not only Gatsby to a superficial life,

but countless others in society. It is important to remember that money and status are not the only

important traits a person can have, and chasing these traits over others can lead to an unfulfilling

life.
Works Cited

Garrison, Maria Puente and Joey. “Felicity Huffman Released on Bail after Allegedly Bribing to

Get Kid into College as Part of Sweeping Admissions Scandal.” USA TODAY,

www.usatoday.com/story/life/2019/03/12/felicity-huffman-lori-loughlin-indicted-

admissions-bribery-case-reports/3139204002/.

Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. 1925. Charles Scribner’s Sons, 10 Apr. 1925.

Polyp.org.uk, 2017,

www.polyp.org.uk/cartoons/wealth/polyp_cartoon_make_poverty_history.jpg. Accessed

6 Mar. 2023.