Diamond As Big As The Ritz

725 Words3 Pages
Imagine the average American becoming the wealthiest individual in the world, would they retain their values? Or would they get rid of them? Fitzgerald shows the lifestyle of the immoral Washington family, as well as their attitude towards others. Also, Fitzgerald expresses John’s acceptance of their way of life, appearing as if he would do anything to continue receiving the luxuries from the extremely wealthy Washington family. By utilizing symbolism in “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz,” Fitzgerald demonstrates America’s obsession with wealth through the relation of immorality and money. Upon first glance at this short story, you may read it and it will have no meaning, but if you analyze it you realize F. Scott Fitzgerald uses his characters to show America’s love of money. The Washington clan is a family that has engineered a lifestyle for themselves that is not thoughtful towards others, and John compromises his values and beliefs for them. “’I didn’t!’ Burst out Kismine. ‘I never invited one. Jasmine did. And they always had a very good time… We can’t let an inevitable thing as death stand in the way of enjoying life while we have it. Think how lonesome it’d be out here if we never had anyone’” (Fitzgerald 23). The Washington’s think it’s understandable to invite friends to stay for the summer, then, as August nears, kill them in a selfish act to protect themselves and their estate. The Family is so protective of their estate because they live on top of a Diamond, which will supply their family for many generations. The Washington’s administered a belief that they are superior over others because they are so rich and powerful. Their abundance of money leads them to hurt, and murder other innocent human beings only to protect themselves. Throughout the story, Fitzgerald shows the Washington’s as a money craved American
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