The Theory of the Leisure Class In Comparison to The Great Gatsby

In Thorstein Veblen’s, “The Theory of the Leisure Class,” Veblen discusses how society functions economically by centering on consumerism in order to display one’s wealth and improve social status. The introductory passage states his theory to recast humankind as “creatures who chase after social status.” Describing society to be composed of “creatures” portrays a very animalistic opinion of the humans, and he continues to depict people to “chase” a better social status. Animals chase their prey in order to survive, therefore Veblen’s language emphasizes the human sentiment that maintaining a reputable social status is necessary in order to exist. Veblen continues to proclaim that there is a “frequent attendance at large gatherings of people to whom one’s every day life is unknown.” In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald depicts strangers of society to attend, without invitation, Gatsby’s party to “whom one’s every day life is unknown.” Through Veblen’s theory, one recognizes that Gatsby’s employs conspicuous consumption to “retain one’s self-complacency” which is achieved by hosting a party specifically to display his wealth. Therefore, Gatsby is capable of maintaining a reputable position in society. Yet, by remaining to be an “unknown” man, one questions to what degree Gatsby chases his social status in comparison to other characters in the novel