Post by Ms Lewis on May 11, 2012 19:20:44 GMT
“They were careless people, Tom and Daisy - they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness...”
Gatsby, chapter 9.
In this quote, Nick reminds us of the selfish, callous and materialistic behaviour of the upper classes which prevents the rest of the population from achieving the American Dream. At this point in the novel, he has just run into Tom and is incredulous at his callous attitude to Gatsby's death ("That fellow had it coming to him..."). "Smashed up..." reminds us of Myrtle's death, which foreshadows Gatsby's own death. Daisy kills Myrtle and shows no real remorse for this; Tom indirectly kills Gatsby by sending George Wilson after him. Metaphorically, Tom kills Gatsby by killing his dreams in chapter 7. In their selfishness and eagerness to retain their own wealth and high status, the upper classes prevent the middle and lower classes from entering their social ranks (the glass ceiling). Thus the American Dream is destined to fail.
Gatsby, chapter 9.
In this quote, Nick reminds us of the selfish, callous and materialistic behaviour of the upper classes which prevents the rest of the population from achieving the American Dream. At this point in the novel, he has just run into Tom and is incredulous at his callous attitude to Gatsby's death ("That fellow had it coming to him..."). "Smashed up..." reminds us of Myrtle's death, which foreshadows Gatsby's own death. Daisy kills Myrtle and shows no real remorse for this; Tom indirectly kills Gatsby by sending George Wilson after him. Metaphorically, Tom kills Gatsby by killing his dreams in chapter 7. In their selfishness and eagerness to retain their own wealth and high status, the upper classes prevent the middle and lower classes from entering their social ranks (the glass ceiling). Thus the American Dream is destined to fail.