Satire in Ch 5 of Great Gatsby

Last Updated: 19 Apr 2023
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In the novel, The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald satirizes how newly wealthy Americans acted during the 1920’s through Jay Gatsby. The 1920’s was nicknamed the ‘Roaring Twenties’, and during this time period, many people were much more wealthy and were only interested in big, extravagant things. Jay Gatsby is an example of this. He was born poor, gained his wealth, and now he throws big parties at his mansion to impress hundreds of people. In the beginning of Chapter 5, Nick arrives at West Egg to find Gatsby’s mansion lighting up the night sky.

Nick said to Gatsby, “Your place looks like the World’s Fair” (81). The significance of Nick's statement shows how Gatsby tries to be “old money”, when really he is “new money”. Gatsby tries to show off his wealth by turning on every single light in his mansion, but he lacks the class of those who really are “old money”. This satirizes how wealthy people were during the 1920s; they were obnoxious and did not have the same class as those who were wealthy before that time period. Another example of this is when Fitzgerald tells the reader what Gatsby is wearing for when Daisy comes over Nick’s house.

Fitzgerald wrote, “Gatsby, in a white flannel suit, silver shirt, and gold-colored tie, hurried in” (84). Daisy knows Gatsby as a poor man that she used to love, but couldn’t be with because her family didn’t approve. Gatsby still loves Daisy, and he dresses like this because he wants to impress her. Newly wealthy people during the 1920’s always wore expensive clothing. Gatsby dressing like this just satirizes those people, and shows he truly isn’t “old money”, no matter how hard he tries to be. Later in the chapter, Gatsby invited Daisy and Nick over to his house because he wants to show off his mansion to Daisy.

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Gatsby said, “ I want you and Daisy to come over to my house” (89). Gatsby brought Daisy to his house, and even though she was impressed with what he has become, even Daisy realized that everything he owned is inelegant, and doesn’t have the same type of possessions that “old money” people have. This satirizes how people during the 1920’s tried to show off their flashy possessions, but they don’t truly have as much worth. Fitzgerald’s use of satire of newly wealthy people during the 1920’s are truly expressed through Gatsby’s actions and belongings.

Related Questions

on Satire in Ch 5 of Great Gatsby

What is the irony in chapter 5 of The Great Gatsby?
The irony in chapter 5 of The Great Gatsby is that despite Gatsby's wealth and lavish parties, he is still unable to win Daisy's heart. Despite all of his efforts, Daisy still chooses to stay with Tom, her husband. This is ironic because Gatsby has gone to such great lengths to win Daisy's love, yet he is still unable to do so.
What is an example of satire in Great Gatsby?
An example of satire in The Great Gatsby is the character of Jay Gatsby himself. Gatsby is a wealthy man who throws lavish parties in an attempt to win back the love of his life, Daisy Buchanan. His excessive wealth and lifestyle are a satirical representation of the excesses of the wealthy during the Roaring Twenties.
What is the main idea of chapter 5 in The Great Gatsby?
The main idea of chapter 5 in The Great Gatsby is that Gatsby throws an extravagant party in hopes of reuniting with Daisy. He is desperate to impress her and show her the life he has created for himself, but Daisy does not show up. Despite this, Gatsby remains hopeful that he will be able to win her back.
How is satire used in The Great Gatsby?
Satire is used in The Great Gatsby to highlight the excesses and hypocrisies of the wealthy characters in the novel. Through the use of satire, Fitzgerald is able to critique the shallow and materialistic values of the upper class, as well as the moral corruption of the American Dream.

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Satire in Ch 5 of Great Gatsby. (2016, Nov 14). Retrieved from https://phdessay.com/satire-in-ch-5-of-great-gatsby/

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