Literary Analysis of The Great Gatsby: Social Class and Wealth

📚 Understanding Social Class and Wealth in The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby is a critical commentary on the Roaring Twenties, exploring the themes of social class, wealth, and the illusion of the American Dream. The novel contrasts the established wealth of the "old money" elite with the nouveau riche, highlighting the social stratification and moral decay of the era.

📜 Historical Background

The 1920s in America was a period of unprecedented economic growth and social change. The rise of consumerism and the stock market created new opportunities for wealth accumulation, but also exacerbated existing social inequalities. This era provides the backdrop against which Fitzgerald examines the corrosive effects of wealth and the superficiality of the upper class.

• 🏛️ Old Money vs. New Money: The novel distinguishes between families with inherited wealth (like Tom and Daisy Buchanan) and those who have recently acquired it (like Gatsby).
• 🚗 The American Dream: Gatsby's relentless pursuit of wealth and Daisy represents the distorted version of the American Dream, suggesting it is often unattainable and morally compromising.
• 🎭 Social Stratification: The stark contrast between West Egg (new money) and East Egg (old money) symbolizes the rigid social hierarchy of the time.

🔑 Key Principles

• 💰 Materialism: The characters' obsession with material possessions reflects the superficial values of the wealthy class.
• 💔 Moral Decay: The pursuit of wealth often leads to moral compromises and the erosion of genuine human connections.
• 💫 Illusion vs. Reality: Gatsby's idealized vision of Daisy and the past highlights the dangers of living in an illusion.

🌟 Real-World Examples from the Novel

The Buchanans

Tom and Daisy represent the established wealthy class. Their inherited wealth gives them social status but also shields them from the consequences of their actions.

• 🏠 East Egg Residence: Their opulent mansion symbolizes their entrenched position in the social hierarchy.
• 💔 Moral Indifference: Tom's infidelity and Daisy's carelessness demonstrate the moral decay associated with old money.

Jay Gatsby

Gatsby's character embodies the nouveau riche. He amasses wealth through questionable means in an attempt to win back Daisy.

• 🎉 Lavish Parties: Gatsby's extravagant parties are a display of his wealth and an attempt to impress Daisy and gain social acceptance.
• 💘 Idealized Love: His pursuit of Daisy is driven by an idealized vision of the past, highlighting the illusionary nature of his dreams.

The Valley of Ashes

This desolate area symbolizes the moral and social decay resulting from the relentless pursuit of wealth.

• 🏭 Social Divide: It starkly contrasts with the opulence of West Egg and East Egg, representing the forgotten and exploited lower classes.
• 👀 The Eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg: This billboard serves as a symbol of moral judgment and the loss of spiritual values in a materialistic society.

📊 Analysis Table

💡 Conclusion

The Great Gatsby serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of chasing wealth and the illusion of the American Dream. Fitzgerald masterfully portrays the social stratification and moral decay of the Roaring Twenties, offering a timeless critique of materialism and the superficiality of the upper class.