Class structures in the 1920s The emergence of unjust class systems and the antagonisms of the 1520s saw the traditional order and moral values ​​undermined discussion, as well as the creation of great wealth for the few and poverty for the many. The Great Gatsby, written by Francis Scott Fitzgerald, explores the causes and effects of imbalanced class structures. Fitzgerald outlines the idea that the desire to accumulate wealth and status is a common ambition among the lower classes; when such a desire is achieved, the traditional upper class is challenged by the emerging nouveau riche, which ultimately leads to destructive consequences. Creating rigid class structures, traditional upper classes, new wealth, and the poor in The Great Gatsby, the desire to promote or maintain socioeconomic status is shown to lead to immoral behavior such as criminal activity, adultery, and murder. by incorporating a distinct hierarchy into society, it creates the aspiration to accumulate wealth and status as a common goal among the lower class, but also creates the desire for the traditional upper class to maintain dominance. Gatsby, at a young age, desires to become a rich and prosperous man, the highest level of society. By becoming Gatsby, Gatz really believes he can leave his past and create a new class, the Great Gatsby himself: I suppose he had that name ready for a long time already then. His parents were inept and unsuccessful farmers: his imagination had never really accepted them as his parents. The truth is that Jay Gatsby of West Egg, Long Island, was born from his Platonic conception of himself. He was a child of God - a phrase which, if it means anything, means just that - and must be about His Father's business... middle of paper... ruction. As a result, the constantly different social status desires of each class lead to immoral and corrupt actions. To conclude, by creating distinct class structures between the traditional upper class, the new wealth and the poor in The Great Gatsby, it is demonstrated that the desire to maintain or change socio-economic status leads to immoral behavior and corruption. The conflicting desires of the emerging class structure in The Great Gatsby cause destruction and loss of vitality. This ultimately leads to immoral activities such as bootlegging and Gatsby's murder, Wilson's suicide, and Myrtle's death. Fitzgerald warns that as punitive class structures and roles emerge, unethical behavior will worsen and could lead to a polarized society if left unbalanced. Works Cited Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. New York: Scribner, 2004. Print.