What does the novel say about meterialism? What if any are the similarities between the 1920's and the present day?

I suppose the same materialism is evident through our own society but it is more wide spread over more economic groups. There certainly is the filthy rich but greed and extravagance has spilled over to the middle and upper middle class. Through credit and massive debt, the masses are able to mimic the rich while remaining hopelessly at the mercy of the very people (i.e.. like banks) that they emulate.

Gatsby always wanted to be wealthy. He doesn't acknowledge his parents because he doesn't want to be associated with their lack of success. To Gatsby, wealth is not only the ability to spend, it is the purest ideal even in its most conceptual, intangible state. Gatsby just wants to FEEL wealthy, to know that he IS wealthy. He also wants Daisy, and the accumulation of wealth and things is associated with this desire. Most everything he does revolves around his desire for Daisy. Daisy is the reason for his materialistic values.

As far as comparing the 20's to the present day. Just look around you. Labels, names, ect, ect,...... people don't but things from necessity; they buy things because they want...... and they buy the name or label that's on those things