The Echoes of the 1920s in Today’s America: A Reappraisal Through Fitzgerald’s Lens

F. Scott Fitzgerald is a name synonymous with American history, especially with the era of the 1920s. In his seminal work, The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald provides a piercing critique of a society ripe with materialism, superficiality, and moral decay. Today, we see echoes of these very flaws in contemporary American society. A comparative analysis reveals striking similarities between Fitzgerald’s vision and our current cultural and social landscape, particularly in terms of class inequality, the pursuit of superficial wealth, and the superficiality surrounding love and relationships.

Class Inequality

One of the most prevalent themes in The Great Gatsby is the stark division between the wealthy elite and the rest of society. Gatsby’s elaborate parties and opulent lifestyle serve as a backdrop for his yearning to attain a place among these social elites, though his success remains tenuous due to his inability to forge genuine connections. Similarly, in contemporary America, wealth disparity has become a persistent issue. The gap between the wealthy and the working class is wider than ever, with fabulous mansions and lavish lifestyles visible on social media, while many struggle to make ends meet. This disparity is further emphasized by the rise of fintech and online platforms that have entrenched established oligarchies, making it even more challenging for the less fortunate to bridge the gap.

Superficiality and Materialism

In The Great Gatsby, the characters seek validation and acceptance through material possessions and lavish displays of wealth. This isn’t merely a pursuit of luxury but a facade that hides deeper insecurities and moral decay. Today, we see a similar trend where people compete over wealth and status on social media and in public life. From the digital glitz and glamour of online retail to the lavish weddings and extravagant vacations shared on social platforms, the superficial pursuit of material success is a hallmark of contemporary culture. The era of Gatsby saw the rise of consumerism and a shift from the pursuit of happiness to the pursuit of possessions, a pattern that has only intensified in modern times.

The Death of True Love

The Great Gatsby also critiques the degeneration of relationships, particularly those of Gatsby and Daisy. Their love is a tragic story of illusion and longing, with an undercurrent of deception and a lack of genuine emotional connection. In the present, people still gravitate towards superficial relationships and marriages based on mutual interests or financial convenience rather than passion or authentic emotion. This trend is reflected in the high divorce rates and the reasons why recent marriages often fail. The death of true love is a recurring theme, as are the cruelties of money and class in modern American society.

Through The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald provides a prescient and enduring commentary on the social and moral landscape of his time. As we navigate a world where material wealth and social status continue to hold significant sway, his work remains as relevant today as it was a century ago. The parallels between the 1920s and the modern era offer a stark reminder of the importance of striving for genuine connections and values in an increasingly superficial and materialistic society.