Moges 1
Aresima Moges
Miss Hopkins
English 3 / Period: 3
17 September 2018
The Great Gatsby Mega Log
According to Dr. Martin Luther King, “we must rapidly begin the shift from a thing-
oriented society to a people-oriented society” (Nashka). When people focus their time and energy
into earning and possessing wealth, they lose sight of what truly matters: caring and sharing their
life with others. Author F. Scott Fitzgerald validates Dr. King’s statement in his depiction of the
characters in the novel The Great Gatsby , as he addresses the heart of the issue in individuals living
in the 1920’s era: materialism. In similar aspects, director Baz Luhrmann attempts to recreate the
masterpiece that is Fitzgerald's novel. Daisy’s actions in both plots resemble one another, while
Tom in the movie differs from the original book’s characterization; however, both characters speak
to their level of materialism and how it hinders them from experiencing true love.
With the misconception that love comes from wealth, Daisy lives an affluent married life
knowing her husband’s unfaithful acts. Both Fitzgerald and Luhrmann shed light on the reason as
to why Daisy does not leave Tom during her visit to Gatsby’s home. While admiring his earned
riches, Daisy sobs, “ ‘They’re such beautiful shirts...It makes me sad because I’ve seen such---such
beautiful shirts before’ ” (Fitzgerald 92). The timing of her outburst highlights how deeply she
values money. Only once she witnesses what a wealthy man Gatsby has become, does Daisy show
her regret of not waiting for him years ago. Rather than inner qualities, in her society, only wealth
attracts the eyes of lovers. That is why five years ago, Daisy was not able to truly immerse herself
Moges 2
in her and Gatsby's relationship, because loving him would coincide with her materialistic lifestyle,
which she chooses not to abandon. Daisy fails to realize how her society has influenced ...
