Chapter 9- Gatsby Reflections

" What does it mean to live the 'good life'?"

In context of The Great Gatsby, living the good life means to have parties, friends, and having an interesting lifestyle. Gatsby lived the good life because he constantly had parties and people over his house, he had large amounts of money, alcohol, and women. Gatsby's life started to go down hill once he started pursuing Daisy further and after the accident that resulted in Myrtles death. Most of the characters in The Great Gatsby that are talked about the most lived the good life in one way or another. Tom and Daisy lived the good life because they had a nice house, cars, and they had eachother who were both wealthy and successful. They also had a daughter that would grow up and hopefully continue that life style. Myrtle was under the impression that George Wilson would be able to provide for her and would be able to give her everything she wants. George Wilson didn't reach that point of having the good life, and didn't have a lot of money but knew people that had it. In terms of the 1920s over all this is what the good life was about. People were striving to achieve the American Dream. Money, Cars, Fun , Friends, were the basis of the good life. Because of prohibition people went to speakeasies to drink and listen to jazz. Though this aspect of the good life was illegal in the 1920's people still wanted some way to enjoy their life. In my life to live the good life is a lot less superficial, to me living the good life means to be surrounded by family and friends and people that care about you. Also to be worry free most of the time, and being able to have fun is also part of the good life. Later on in life, to be successful, happy, and with a loving family will be what i hope to have in order to live the good life.