On the Superficiality of Wealth:
* "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..." (Chapter 9) This is a powerful indictment of the upper class's reckless disregard for others, highlighting their ability to escape responsibility through their wealth.
* "I hope she'll be a fool - that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool." (Chapter 1) This quote from Daisy reveals the shallowness of the upper class's values, where being a "fool" is seen as a desirable quality for a woman, simply because it allows for a carefree and ignorant existence.
* "It was a rich cream color, bright with nickel, swollen here and there in its monstrous length with triumphant hat-boxes and supper-boxes and tool-boxes, and terraced with a labyrinth of wind-shields that mirrored a dozen suns." (Chapter 4) This vivid description of Gatsby's car emphasizes its extravagance and superficiality. While it's meant to be impressive, the quote highlights how material possessions become a symbol of emptiness, lacking any true depth or meaning.
On the Lack of Substance:
* "They were all beautiful people, all these people, but they were so vacant, and they made me feel so vacant." (Chapter 3) This quote captures the feeling of emptiness and lack of substance within the upper class, leaving Nick, the observer, feeling equally hollow in their presence.
* "I'm glad it's over." "Over?" he repeated. "You can't repeat the past." "Can't repeat the past?" he cried incredulously. "Why of course you can!" (Chapter 6) This exchange between Gatsby and Nick highlights the delusional nature of the upper class's obsession with the past, clinging to a romanticized version of what cannot be recreated. This obsession with the past reflects their inability to engage with the present and create anything meaningful.
* "I suppose the latest thing is to be a well-rounded fool." (Chapter 2) This humorous remark by Jordan Baker exposes the absurdity of the upper class's pursuit of superficiality, where being "well-rounded" is equated with a lack of genuine intelligence or depth.
On the Desire for Illusion:
* "He had come a long way to this blue lawn, and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it." (Chapter 5) This quote captures Gatsby's obsession with recreating the past and chasing an illusion of happiness that ultimately proves unattainable. This yearning for something beyond reality reflects the underlying dissatisfaction of the upper class.
* "I have been drunk just twice in my life, and the second time was that afternoon; so everything that happened has a dim, hazy cast over it, although I remember the feeling of it perfectly." (Chapter 5) This quote captures the intoxicating nature of Gatsby's world, where reality is blurred and the pursuit of fleeting pleasures becomes the primary focus, leaving behind a sense of hollowness.
Remember, these are just a few suggestions. Choose quotes that best suit your argument and analysis of the hollowness of the upper class in The Great Gatsby. Good luck with your theme paper!