F. Scott Fitzgerald/ The Great Gatsby

“Riches have never fascinated me, unless combined with the greatest charm or distinction.”
–Letter, Aug. 1936, to Ernest Hemingway

In comparison and in context to the Great Gatsby, this quote by Fitzgerald is portrayed through the story. In this quote, Fitzgerald is basically saying that his fascination with riches is only constituted by charm or distinction. In the Great Gatsby, their as a true distinction between riches. In a way, it was a comparison to the right way to get money and the wrong way. In one corner there was Tom and Daisy who's wealth was gained in the "right way" and in the other corner you have Gatsby who's wealth was gained the "wrong way".

As it pertains to Tom and Daisy, there was no doubt that their wealth was substantial and would last. Tom coming from a rich family ensured that his wealth would be their to stay. There was talk about how he made investment decisions and all sorts of things to save. Daisy was also apart of this wealth. She received all the benefits from Tom's wealth and throughout the book it was quite clear that she was happy and "charming" to all. This is one type of wealth Fitzgerald would be interested in because it brings happiness, joy, and a charming demeanor. As the book progressed, a question of Daisy's happiness and charm began to develop. Was her happiness and charm her justification. Was she just trying to hide her true feelings in the charm of her wealth? If this is the case, how could Fitzgerald possibly be interested in it? In the documentary it was learned that Fitzgerald had a severe drinking problem. This problem was the ultimate source of his demise. IF Fitzgerald lived a life style like that: probably under the assumption that drinking could heal some type of pain or put on a fake image of happiness, he would probably justify he happiness in the "charm of his wealth".

Distinction!! When this word is used or thought of the word different comes to mind. Set apart, separate, and not the same all come to mind when trying to define this word. Gatsby was certainly different and the way he operated was certainly not the same as Tom and Daisy. Fitzgerald said his other fascination with charm comes from distinction. He doesn't want to be like someone else; in this case he doesn't want to have the same type of wealth as someone else. Some may venture to say that Fitzgerald wanted to be a pioneer in entrepreneurship, however I am not fully persuaded that this is the case. In the Great Gatsby, Gatsby is a man, an ominous man and a man of wealth. However, the way he received his wealth was surely different than Tom. Gatsby was an unauthorized dealer of alcohol. One of the things that made Tom wealthy was the fact that his wealth was substantial. Gatsby had to continuously go out and get his wealth. He was not set up for life. His wealth was also not guaranteed. At any given point in the day, his wealth could be taken away from him. As this relates to Fitzgerald, I believe he would have also gone with this type of wealth. It seems that all he wanted was happiness or distinction. He seems that he would do anything to be rich and would not be concerned at how he was viewed nor his true feelings. As already stated, he was an alcoholic. In many ways this could have been a sign to a lifestyle that he considered.

Fitzgerald seemed like a man who struggled with his identity. He didn't quit know what he wanted to do, how to do it, or who he was. The Great Gatsby, now appears to me a internal conflict he was having with himself: debating on the lifestyle that he wanted. In this book he does an excellent job of showing the pro's and con's of each side. I am lead to believed that these were the two lifestyle in particular, that Fitzgerald had in mind while deciding his life. Charm and distinction was what he wanted and the Great Gatsby described both of which he would pursue.