In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, the character Nick Carraway offers a poignant critique of Tom and Daisy Buchanan when he states:
“They were careless people, Tom and Daisy - they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made.” (Fitzgerald, p. 179)
This statement frames the discussion around the moral implications of wealth and its potential to corrupt individuals.
To facilitate a deeper understanding of this theme, participants are encouraged to construct a well-reasoned argument addressing whether wealth can indeed foster corruption in an individual’s character. This argument should draw on evidence from both The Great Gatsby in its novel and film adaptations, as well as contemporary discussions surrounding the concept of "Affluenza," as presented in provided texts and videos.
Can money corrupt an individual?
(Insert your first piece of cited evidence here, drawing from The Great Gatsby or related texts)
Analysis 1: (Provide your analysis of Evidence 1, linking it to the claim about money's corrupting influence)
(Insert your second piece of cited evidence here, drawing from The Great Gatsby or related texts)
Analysis 2: (Provide your analysis of Evidence 2, further developing your argument concerning the effects of wealth)
(Insert your third piece of cited evidence here, drawing from The Great Gatsby or related texts)
Analysis 3: (Provide your analysis of Evidence 3, consolidating the notion of corruption linked to affluence)
(Articulate a potential counterargument that suggests money does not necessarily corrupt an individual)
(Respond to the counterargument with thoughtful counterpoints reinforcing the original claim regarding the corrupting nature of wealth)
For further exploration of the topic "A Case of Affluenza," participants can refer to the following resources:
In conclusion, the discussion of whether money corrupts individuals is not only relevant within the literary context of The Great Gatsby, but also resonates with contemporary societal issues. As participants engage in this seminar, let us approach the topic with critical thinking and an openness to diverse perspectives.