The Great Gatsby: Social CommentaryOn One Level The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald comments on the carefree cheerfulness and moral decadence of the period in which it was set . It contains countless references to the contemporary scene. The wild extravagance of Gatsby's parties, the superficiality and aimlessness of the guests, and the hint of Gatsby's involvement in crime all identify the American period and setting. But as a social commentary, The Great Gatsby also depicts the failure of the American dream, from the perspective that American political ideals are in conflict with actual existing social conditions. Indeed, while American democracy is based on the idea of ​​equality between people, the truth is that social discrimination still exists and divisions between classes cannot be overcome. Myrtle's attempt to join the group the Buchanans belong to is doomed to fail. Taking advantage of his vivacity, his lively nature, he tries to escape from his class. She has an affair with Tom and takes over his way of life. But it becomes vulgar and corrupt only like the rich. He despises people of his own class and loses all sense of morality. And for all her social ambition, Myrtle never manages to find a place in Tom's class. When a crisis comes, the rich unite against all the outsiders. Myrtle's condition, of course, is a weaker reflection of Gatsby's more significant struggle. While Myrtle's desire arises from social ambition, Gatsby's is more linked to his idealism, his faith in the possibilities of life. Undoubtedly his desire is also influenced by social considerations; Daisy, who is rich and beautiful, represents a lifestyle far from that of Gatsby and therefore more attractive because she is out of reach. However, social consciousness is not a fundamental cause. It simply directs and increases Gatsby's faith in the possibilities of life. Like Myrtle, Gatsby struggles to fit into another social group, but his attempt is more urgent because his whole faith in life is involved in it. Failure, therefore, is more terrible for him. His entire career, his confidence in himself and in life are totally destroyed when he fails to win over Daisy. His death when it arrives is almost insignificant, because, with the collapse of his dream, Gatsby is already spiritually dead. As a social satire, The Great Gatsby is also a commentary on moral decadence in modern American society..