5.1.2
Class
Class
Class
The novel deals with three classes in 1920s American society: ‘old money’, best represented by the Buchanans, the ‘new money’ of Gatsby, and those with ‘no money’ (George and Myrtle Wilson).
Jay Gatsby
Jay Gatsby
- Jay Gatsby started life in a poor farming family in the Midwest and so has earnt his own money (however illegally) to secure the luxurious life he leads in West Egg.
- As part of his plan to win back the love of ‘old money’ Daisy, Gatsby tries to gain acceptance among the ‘old money’ class, but he is unsuccessful in several ways.
Failure of changing speech
Failure of changing speech
- Gatsby has changed the way he speaks to ‘fit in’ with ‘old money’ people.
- The best example of this is his habit of referring to other men as 'old sport'.
- Nick, who does come from a rich background, is quick to point out that Gatsby’s attempts to change the way he speaks are a failure, noting that his 'elaborate formality of speech just missed being absurd' (Chapter Three).
Failure of mansion
Failure of mansion
- Even Gatsby’s mansion does not meet the standards of the ‘old money’ classes.
- Despite its size and grandeur, it is considered to be tacky and gauche in comparison to the tasteful colonial house of the Buchanans: 'an imitation of some Hôtel de Ville in Normandy, with a tower on one side, spanking new under a thin beard of raw ivy' (Chapter One).
'No money'
'No money'
- While much of the plot revolves around the conflict between old and new money, the story also deals with a far more easily forgotten section of society: those with 'no money'.
- Fitzgerald seems to be using characters like George and Myrtle Wilson as a reminder that, for every Gatsby, there are countless other individuals who have failed to escape the struggle of being poor.
- Myrtle wants to move beyond her world - Tom won’t allow it.
- George dreams of moving west.
- Ultimately, they are used and abused by the rich.
1Specification Overview
1.1Specification Overview
2Context
3Plot Summary
3.1Chapter One
3.2Chapter Two
3.3Chapter Three
3.4Chapter Four
3.6Chapter Six
3.7Chapter Seven
3.8Chapter Eight
4Character Profiles
4.3Daisy Buchanan
4.5Minor Characters
5Key Ideas
6Writing Techniques
6.1Structure, Genre & Narrative Voice
7Love Through the Ages - Thematic Analysis
7.1Love Through the Ages
Jump to other topics
1Specification Overview
1.1Specification Overview
2Context
3Plot Summary
3.1Chapter One
3.2Chapter Two
3.3Chapter Three
3.4Chapter Four
3.6Chapter Six
3.7Chapter Seven
3.8Chapter Eight
4Character Profiles
4.3Daisy Buchanan
4.5Minor Characters
5Key Ideas
6Writing Techniques
6.1Structure, Genre & Narrative Voice
7Love Through the Ages - Thematic Analysis
7.1Love Through the Ages
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