Themes: Social Class
Social class is a central theme in The Great Gatsby, highlighting the divide between the wealthy elite and those aspiring to join their ranks. Fitzgerald explores the rigid social hierarchy and the illusion of the American Dream, where wealth does not guarantee acceptance into the upper echelons of society. The novel portrays the stark contrast between "old money" and "new money," and the futility of trying to transcend one's social class through wealth alone.
Gatsby's pink suit serves as a symbol of his outsider status and his attempt to climb the social ladder. Despite his immense wealth, Gatsby's flashy attire marks him as "new money," unable to blend with the understated elegance of the old-money elite. His possessions, from his mansion to his car, reflect a lack of refined taste, underscoring his exclusion from the upper class. Gatsby's efforts to integrate into high society are ultimately futile, as he remains an outsider in the eyes of characters like Tom Buchanan.
Myrtle Wilson's transformation in her city apartment further illustrates the theme of social class. In her attempt to emulate the wealthy, Myrtle adopts a pretentious demeanor, filling her apartment with oversized furniture and trivial luxuries. However, her efforts only highlight her superficiality and inability to truly change her social standing. Despite her aspirations, Myrtle remains trapped in her lower-class status, symbolized by her life in the valley of ashes.
The valley of ashes itself is a powerful symbol of the working class's struggles and the deception of the American Dream. Fitzgerald uses vivid imagery to depict this desolate landscape, where the inhabitants are reduced to "ash-gray men" who "move dimly and already crumbling through the powdery air." This environment contrasts sharply with the opulence of the Buchanans' world, emphasizing the social divide and the exploitation of the working class by the wealthy.
Characters' morals and values further reflect their social class. Nick Carraway, shaped by Midwestern values, represents honesty and loyalty, while the Buchanans embody the moral decay associated with inherited wealth. Tom and Daisy's lack of purpose and disregard for others highlight the emptiness of their privileged lives. In contrast, Gatsby's romantic pursuit of Daisy and Myrtle's desire to escape poverty reveal the destructive nature of their delusions and the unattainability of the American Dream.
Expert Q&A
Why did Daisy and Tom find Gatsby's party loathsome and why does Gatsby get many phone calls?
Daisy and Tom find Gatsby's party loathsome because they are appalled by the "raw vigor" and the behavior of the guests, who are not of their "old money" social class. They dislike the openness and lack of traditional decorum. Gatsby receives many phone calls due to his involvement in illegal activities, as evidenced by a call about an associate's arrest for selling stolen bonds.
In The Great Gatsby, how is the scene where Mrs. Sloane invites Gatsby to dinner interpreted?
The scene where Mrs. Sloane invites Gatsby to dinner highlights the class divide between East Egg and West Egg. Gatsby's naivety is evident as he fails to recognize the superficial courtesy in Mrs. Sloane's invitation, mistaking it for genuine interest. This moment underscores Gatsby's outsider status among the East Egg elite, who value pedigree over wealth. His eagerness to belong leads to misunderstandings, illustrating the dangers of his idealism and foreshadowing future disappointments.
What does Nick mean when he says that he and his friends are "subtly unadaptable to Eastern life" in The Great Gatsby?
“I see now that this has been a story of the West, after all—Tom and Gatsby, Daisy and Jordan and I, were all Westerners, and perhaps we possessed some deficiency in common which made us subtly unadaptable to Eastern life” (176).
Nick's statement about being "subtly unadaptable to Eastern life" in The Great Gatsby reflects the inherent differences between Western and Eastern American cultural identities. Characters like Nick, Gatsby, Daisy, Tom, and Jordan, though successful in the East, are fundamentally linked to the values and lifestyles of the West. This distinction is significant in the novel, illustrating a cultural divide where Westerners, despite their wealth and efforts, can never fully integrate into Eastern society, and often retain a nostalgic connection to the simpler, purer values of their origins.
What social norms are broken in The Great Gatsby?
In The Great Gatsby, several social norms are broken, including marital infidelity, as seen through Tom, Myrtle, Daisy, and Gatsby's actions. Gatsby's wealth, acquired through illicit activities during Prohibition, also defies societal expectations. Daisy's detachment from her daughter and the physical violence, such as Tom hitting Myrtle, further deviate from societal norms. Additionally, women's behaviors, like Myrtle's affair and Jordan Baker's independence, challenge traditional gender roles.
What does Myrtle's statement about her sister in The Great Gatsby imply about society?
Myrtle's statement about her sister in The Great Gatsby highlights the societal belief that wealth confers superior judgment and taste. By referencing "people who ought to know," Myrtle reveals her aspiration to align with the values of the wealthy, despite her lower-class status. This reflects the condescending attitudes of the "old money" elite, who dictate standards of beauty and taste, a notion still relevant today as society often looks to the affluent as arbiters of taste.
In The Great Gatsby, how are Gatsby and Myrtle parallels in terms of values, aspirations, and careers?
Gatsby and Myrtle are parallels in their unattainable desires, materialism, and lack of true careers. Both aspire to relationships they cannot have—Gatsby with Daisy and Myrtle with Tom—due to societal constraints, leading them on futile pursuits. Materialism serves as their means to achieve their goals, yet neither finds fulfillment. Gatsby's career as a suspected bootlegger and Myrtle's role as a mistress highlight their lack of legitimate vocations, emphasizing their concern with social approval.
Why do people come uninvited to Gatsby's house in The Great Gatsby?
People come uninvited to Gatsby's house because his parties are open to anyone, reflecting a "come-one, come-all" atmosphere. Gatsby rarely issues invitations, and his gatherings are known for their lavishness, attracting guests who often don't know him personally. Nick Carraway notes that many guests arrive without invitations, enjoying the festivities like an "amusement park." Gatsby hosts these parties hoping that Daisy Buchanan will eventually attend, prompting him to cease them once they reunite.
In The Great Gatsby, what is Nick's relationship to Daisy, who is Jordan and why is she appealing to Nick, and what does Tom's interest in the "Rise of the Colored Empires" signify?
Nick is Daisy's second cousin once removed and knows Tom from college, providing him a critical perspective on their lives. Jordan Baker, a friend of Daisy's, is appealing to Nick due to her beauty and charm, representing the allure of wealth and sophistication. Tom's interest in the "Rise of the Colored Empires" signifies his elitist and racist attitudes, highlighting his fear of losing social dominance and his readiness to oppress others to maintain his status.
Valley of Ashes: Symbolism and Significance in The Great Gatsby
In The Great Gatsby, the "valley of ashes" is a desolate area between East Egg and New York City, symbolizing the moral and social decay resulting from the pursuit of wealth. It is depicted as a wasteland filled with industrial ashes, representing the plight of the working class, like George and Myrtle Wilson, who are trapped in poverty and unable to attain the American Dream. The valley contrasts with the opulence of East Egg, illustrating the disparity between the wealthy elite and the struggling masses.
The portrayal of Daisy and Tom as careless in The Great Gatsby
Daisy and Tom are portrayed as careless in The Great Gatsby through their reckless actions and disregard for others' feelings. They indulge in their wealth and privilege, causing harm without facing consequences. Their carelessness is epitomized when they retreat into their money and let others deal with the fallout of their actions, such as the deaths of Gatsby and Myrtle.
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