In The Great Gatsby Fitzgerald explores the idea of the American dream and the representation of social classes. Fitzgerald carefully divides his novel into distinct social groups but, ultimately, each group has its own problems to deal with, leaving a powerful reminder of how precarious the world really is. By creating two distinct social classes, “old money” and “new money,” Fitzgerald sends strong messages about the underlying elitism and moral corruption of society. The idea of the American Dream is the ideal that opportunity is available to every American, enabling the achievement of his or her highest aspirations and goals. In the case of The Great Gatsby is all about achieving wealth and status to achieve certain positions in life, Nick moved to West Egg where he met his mysterious new neighbor Jay Gatsby, who he believes is the opposite of what he represents. Nick Carraway on the outside may be seen as a moral and resolute person, but even he is not free from moral flaws and corruptions. An important example is how Nick uses Jordan Baker with whom he never thought that she and himself were in a serious relationship. Jordan Baker is used by Nick for both his fame and his wealth, acting as Nick's temporary love affair to satisfy his needs. Furthermore, Nick Carraway always seems to be directly or indirectly involved or involved in all the corruption that occurs. Nick, in the role of the narrator, is aware of the lies, corruption and deceit that occurs and does not seem fazed by it. Nick also defends Gatsby even though he knows all Gatsby's criminal activities and alcohol smuggling very well. Lastly, Nick is the character who tricks two of the main characters, Daisy Buchanan, her cousin, and Jay Gatsby into having an affair. It never crosses Nick's mind that arranging and condoning an affair is a moral corruption of traditionalist and religious values. Nick does this through the exchange of the secret meeting between Gatsby and Daisy, in which Nick says, "I'll call Daisy tomorrow and invite her here for tea... What day would suit you?" Nick also took the trouble to set the idea of the American dream is achievable, although in most cases it is difficult to achieve and everyone's interpretations and expectations make it an almost impossible task. Social class and status are also emphasized through the barrier that exists between East Egg and West Egg which effectively symbolize the "old money" and "new money", and the corruption of morals witnessed and expressed by Nick Carraway's narrative. Fitzgerald shows that for all the lavishness of society ultimately there are unfulfilled dreams, corruption and separation, and in Gatsby's case a tragic end for a tragic underclass hero. “Show me a hero and I will write you a tragedy” F. Scott Fitzgerald
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