Fitzgerald Finance

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novels offer a compelling glimpse into the opulent and often destructive world of wealth in the Jazz Age. While not strictly financial treatises, his works, particularly The Great Gatsby, paint vivid portraits of different facets of finance, from inherited fortunes to speculative ventures and the corrosive effects of unchecked materialism.

One prominent theme is the contrast between “old money” and “new money.” Characters like Tom and Daisy Buchanan represent the established elite, comfortable in their inherited wealth and social standing. Their fortune is often described as effortless, a birthright requiring little active participation. This allows them a sense of entitlement and a detachment from the realities of the working class, fostering a moral complacency that contributes to their destructive actions.

In stark contrast, Jay Gatsby embodies the allure and precariousness of “new money.” He amassed his fortune through illicit means, likely bootlegging during Prohibition, a period marked by intense financial speculation and moral ambiguity. Gatsby’s wealth is a tool to achieve a specific goal: to win back Daisy. He believes his accumulation of material possessions and lavish parties will erase the social and financial disparities that separated them in the past. This highlights a key aspect of Fitzgerald’s financial commentary: the idea that money can buy status but not necessarily happiness or acceptance.

The pursuit of wealth in Fitzgerald’s world is often intertwined with moral decay. Gatsby’s illegal activities underscore the compromises individuals make in their relentless pursuit of riches. Similarly, the reckless behavior of the wealthy, exemplified by Tom Buchanan’s infidelity and careless driving, suggests that financial security can lead to a sense of invulnerability and a disregard for the consequences of one’s actions.

Furthermore, Fitzgerald implicitly critiques the speculative nature of the 1920s financial boom. The characters often engage in risky investments and embrace a culture of conspicuous consumption, reflecting the widespread belief that prosperity was endless. This ultimately proves to be a dangerous illusion, as the Roaring Twenties gave way to the Great Depression, exposing the fragility of the era’s financial foundation.

Beyond individual characters, Fitzgerald uses settings like West Egg and East Egg to symbolize the disparity between new and old wealth. West Egg, where Gatsby resides, represents the gaudy, ostentatious display of recently acquired fortunes, while East Egg embodies the refined, understated elegance of established wealth. This spatial division reinforces the social and financial hierarchy that Gatsby desperately tries to overcome.

Ultimately, Fitzgerald’s portrayal of finance is a cautionary tale. He reveals the seductive power of money, its ability to corrupt values, and its limitations in providing true fulfillment. Through his complex characters and poignant narratives, he explores the psychological and social consequences of a society obsessed with wealth, leaving a lasting critique of the American Dream’s darker side.