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During the 1920's, after the recession of 1921-1922, Americans per capita income increased by a third, the cost living stayed the same, and the unemployment fell and remained low. This enormous increase in wealth and rise of the stock market led to unprecedented consumption and leisure time among the middle and upper classes. New advertising promoted a "buy-now " mentality and consumers did just that, purchasing goods through installment buying, which allowed consumers to buy goods on credit: a small down payment each month, allowed them to buy expensive items before they had saved the money. Consumerism, excessive material wealth, and cynicism is portrayed in The Great Gatsby through the obsession with material purchases, the enormous homes on long island, extravagant cars, and lavish parties. Wherever given the opportunity Jay Gatsby is inclined to ostentation which accurately portrays the upper middle class of the time. To gain wealth and power was not merely enough to hold the esteem of men, the wealth and power had to be put into evidence. The desire for material items is shown when we see Gatsby showing off his Italian silk shirts to Daisy, and he says "I've got a man in England who buys me clothes. He sends over a selection of things at the beginning of each season, spring and fall. " These elegant shirts are hardly if ever worn, they are strictly for the purpose of showing off wealth. The desire to outwardly portray wealth and climb the social ladder no matter what it takes is a reoccurring theme in the 1920's and is further portrayed by the over-the-top parties Gatsby throws at his mansion on long island. Gatsby's cynicism is prevalent as his only purpose of these enormous parties is to gain the interest of Daisy and win her over. Further cynicism exists among the patrons attending Gatsby's party as they attend for the sole reason of being seen in the company of rich men.
