The quote “Everything of value in human society depends on the development opportunities afforded to the individual” by Einstein fully illustrates the meaning in the work The Great Gatsby ; on the contrary, each character portrays characteristics based on his wealth and social status. While characters like Tom and Daisy are confused and reckless in the world of wealth, other characters like Nick and Wilson live a submissive and cautious lifestyle within a lower class. Even so, both juxtaposed groups experience similar joys and tragedies within their social class. Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby, illustrates the influence of wealth and social status during 1920s American society on characters through plots, dialogue, and settings. Jay Gatsby, as the protagonist of the novel, is one of the few characters affiliated with the lower level. class. In Gatsby's childhood, he suffers from poverty. Paradoxically, Gatsby is the most prestigious when compared to other characters, yet in the past he was the only character who did not have wealth. With this, Fitzgerald demonstrates that the current state of wealth justifies a character's current acceptance. After achieving wealth, Gatsby remains distinct from other wealthy characters in that he once lived a life of destitution. Unlike Tom and Daisy, who live an empty life, Gatsby lives a life full of motivation. Even though Gatsby was presented as one of the corrupt characters, he was considered prolific because he had a dream. This is due to the fact that Gatsby once lived a lower class life, unlike Tom and Daisy who grew up in prosperity. While wealth and social status may have seemed widely accepted as the most sought after symbols in the early 20th century...... middle of paper....some areas. Although nick is not considered low status, Tom still has a higher status. Take for example, when Nick insists on leaving during their trip to New York, Tom arrogantly forces Nick to stay, “No, you won't” (Fitzgerald 28). Nick has no choice but to accept Tom's suggestion because he is higher in terms of social status. Both Nick and Wilson's lower class shape their personalities as submissive and cautious characters. Within the text The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald analyzes the importance of wealth in early 20th century America, allowing the reader to understand the perspectives of different social statuses. Furthermore, it demonstrates the importance of wealth by presenting characters influenced by social status. At the same time, Fitzgerald identifies how a person's social status shapes their personality and motivations.