The Corruption of Wealth in Gatsby
In The Great Gatsby, the significant contrast between the valley of ashes and New York City shows that the endless drive for wealth can lead to the distortion of society. The valley of ashes represents absolute poverty and hopelessness. It is a desolate place where, "Ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens"(23). Everything about it is miserable and grey. In contrast, the city is full of promise of wealth and a hope for a better life. “The city seen from the Queensboro Bridge is always the city seen for the first time, in its first wild promise of all the mystery and the beauty in the world” (68). The differences in these places show the distinct line between the upper and lower classes. In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald uses symbolism, imagery, and diction to show the contrasting worlds of the Valley of Ashes and New York City to make a social commentary reflecting the ideals of the 1920s and the dangerous concept that material wealth leads to fulfillment. The valley of ashes is a desolate stretch of land between West Egg and New York City created for the dumping of industrial waste. It represents the moral and social corruption that takes place in the 1920’s …show more content…
It does this through the distinct contrast between the valley of ashes and New York City. The valley of ashes signifies poverty and the peoples longing to escape it. While the city is a symbol of the rich’s perpetual need for materialism. The Great Gatsby illustrates the relationship between the rich and poor through imagery, diction, and symbolism. This creates a deeper tone in the novel and makes the reader question the corruption of wealth in today’s society. Furthermore, Fitzgerald is making a social commentary that a focus on money and living an extravagant lifestyle will only led to dissatisfaction and ultimate
In The Great Gatsby, the significant contrast between the valley of ashes and New York City shows that the endless drive for wealth can lead to the distortion of society. The valley of ashes represents absolute poverty and hopelessness. It is a desolate place where, "Ashes grow like wheat into ridges and hills and grotesque gardens"(23). Everything about it is miserable and grey. In contrast, the city is full of promise of wealth and a hope for a better life. “The city seen from the Queensboro Bridge is always the city seen for the first time, in its first wild promise of all the mystery and the beauty in the world” (68). The differences in these places show the distinct line between the upper and lower classes. In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald uses symbolism, imagery, and diction to show the contrasting worlds of the Valley of Ashes and New York City to make a social commentary reflecting the ideals of the 1920s and the dangerous concept that material wealth leads to fulfillment. The valley of ashes is a desolate stretch of land between West Egg and New York City created for the dumping of industrial waste. It represents the moral and social corruption that takes place in the 1920’s …show more content…
It does this through the distinct contrast between the valley of ashes and New York City. The valley of ashes signifies poverty and the peoples longing to escape it. While the city is a symbol of the rich’s perpetual need for materialism. The Great Gatsby illustrates the relationship between the rich and poor through imagery, diction, and symbolism. This creates a deeper tone in the novel and makes the reader question the corruption of wealth in today’s society. Furthermore, Fitzgerald is making a social commentary that a focus on money and living an extravagant lifestyle will only led to dissatisfaction and ultimate