Ledger of Luxury

Worksheet Description

This worksheet compares F. Scott Fitzgerald’s real financial life with Jay Gatsby’s fictional lifestyle. Both lived extravagantly, spending lavishly on entertainment, parties, and appearances while risking long-term stability. Students answer questions about the dangers of overspending and the meaning of a “rich” life. The activity concludes with personal reflection, asking students to consider how they would use wealth and what true success means.

Completing this worksheet encourages both analytical and personal reflection skills. Students practice drawing comparisons between an author’s life and their literary creations. They also develop financial literacy by considering risks of excessive spending. The personal reflection questions foster critical thinking about values, priorities, and the definition of success.