In ‘The Great Gatsby’, Fitzgerald paints a vivid picture of class distinctions through the lens of the American Dream. The novel dives into the idea that success and happiness are attainable by anyone who works hard enough. But hold up—is that the case here? Not quite. The story shows us that societal structures often predetermine opportunities, leaving some folks with short sticks despite how hard they hustle.
Take Gatsby, for instance. He climbs up from poverty to wealth by hook or crook with dreams of entering the elite echelons and winning over Daisy, his childhood sweetheart. But despite the green bills stacked in his mansion, Gatsby remains an outsider. Folks like Tom and Daisy Buchanan still see him as a curious imposter, underscoring a harsh truth: having money isn’t the same as belonging.
Gatsby’s relentless chase for Daisy acts as a metaphor for the quest to break into a social class that seems just out of reach. He crafts this image of himself as a self-made man, but in the end, the costly glitz and glamour can’t buy him acceptance. Through Gatsby’s tragic story, Fitzgerald reveals a social reality where origin, not merit, seals one’s fate.
The novel sheds light on a bigger picture: wealth doesn’t equate with social acceptance. Gatsby amassed heaps of wealth, yet he never gets the nod from the old-money crowd. This chasm between wealth acquisition and acceptance breaks down the American Dream to its raw, bittersweet core.
Class barriers define who gets to host the high-society shindigs and who’s stuck outside the velvet rope. Success is no easy ticket, and the playing field isn’t exactly even, despite how it might appear. Through these themes, Fitzgerald guides readers to ponder whether the dream of upward mobility truly delivers the happiness it promises.
Old Money vs. New Money: A Social Divide
The world of East Egg and West Egg couldn’t be more different, and it all boils down to the clash between old money and new money. The Buchanans, with their generations-old wealth, represent the untouchable air of privilege. For them, money isn’t something earned—it’s part of their DNA. They carry an entitlement that seems to whisper, “We own this place.” That’s what old money is all about.
Now, flip to Gatsby. He’s the new money image, riding high on wealth but lacking the pedigree. He throws those wild parties, flaunting money to gain recognition. Yet, beneath the glam lies a tinge of desperation—a desperate attempt to secure a seat at a table that always feels just out of reach.
Tom Buchanan embodies skepticism, with his disdainful eye cast on Gatsby’s fortune. Even with all his millions, Gatsby remains the nouveau riche outsider—a reminder that no amount of money can erase where you came from. It’s a raw showcase of social hierarchy, where status by birth trumps even the heaviest of wallets.
The narrative captures the suspicions and tensions that brew between these two worlds. Despite Gatsby’s wealth, whispers and judgment follow him. It’s like a social glass ceiling that says, “You can see us, but you can’t be us.”
What’s crucial here is understanding how heritage and history craft narratives for individuals. Your roots, more than your dollar mix, navigate where you stand. So, what does this say about the so-called meritocracy dream? It’s a world where birthright often outmatches individual success, prompting readers to question the fairness of it all.
Class, Identity, and Morality in Fitzgerald’s Narrative
In ‘The Great Gatsby’, social class is more than a backdrop—it’s part of the characters’ essence. The identity of many hinges on their social standing, shaping their actions and moral compasses. You can’t talk about class without mentioning Daisy Buchanan, a walking embodiment of upper-class ideals. To Gatsby, she’s more than a person; she’s the dream wrapped up in pearls and privilege.
Nick Carraway, our guide through this world, straddles the line between wealth and modesty. He sees the world of the Buchanans for what it is—opulent yet deeply flawed. As an outsider looking in, his perspective reveals the sharp edges of the social boundaries that keep him at arm’s length from their glitzy circle.
Gatsby, meanwhile, reshapes himself in his climb up the social ladder, bending rules and dabbling in dodgy deals, all for a taste of that elusive status. Yet, when the chips are down, his idealism—his belief that he could rewrite his fate through sheer will—renders him almost innocent. Fitzgerald makes us root for him even as we’re aware of his flaws.
Contrast that with the Buchanans, who, cushioned by their wealth, evade the moral consequences of their actions. Their carelessness costs others dearly, yet they remain unscathed, illustrating a bleak commentary on how wealth can sometimes shield people from accountability.
Then there’s the Valley of Ashes—a grim symbol of struggle for the working class. Here, George Wilson toils away, serving as a stark reminder of another side of the social class coin. These scenes underline the moral and social decay of Fitzgerald’s world, offering a somber glimpse into the lives caught beneath the glitter of the Eggs.
Through their stories, Fitzgerald stirs an unsettling reflection on the roles wealth and status play in shaping human behavior. The question of whether true fulfillment comes from within or from the social approval of those around us lingers long after turning the last page.
The Great Gatsby (Masterpiece Library Edition)
*This post contains an affiliate that link that I can earn a small commission from if you purchase from this link*
Leave a Reply