Introduction
This essay explores how F. Scott Fitzgerald introduces the theme of class disparity in his seminal novel, *The Great Gatsby* (1925). Set in the Jazz Age of 1920s America, the novel critiques the societal divides between the old money, new money, and the working class, reflecting the broader inequalities of the era. Through character dynamics, symbolic settings, and narrative perspective, Fitzgerald lays bare the entrenched social hierarchies and the elusive nature of the American Dream. This analysis will examine the portrayal of class distinctions in the contrasting locales of East Egg and West Egg, the characterisation of key figures such as Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby, and the symbolic significance of material wealth. The discussion aims to highlight Fitzgerald’s nuanced critique of class disparity and its impact on personal relationships and societal values.
Contrasting Settings as Markers of Class
One of Fitzgerald’s primary methods of introducing class disparity is through the geographical and symbolic divide between East Egg and West Egg. East Egg represents the established, aristocratic wealth of families like the Buchanans, who inherit their privilege and embody a sense of entitlement. In contrast, West Egg is home to the nouveau riche, including Gatsby, whose wealth is recently acquired and lacks the social pedigree of old money. Fitzgerald describes East Egg as “the more fashionable of the two” (Fitzgerald, 1925, p. 5), subtly underscoring its superior social standing. The physical separation by a body of water mirrors the intangible barriers that prevent true social mobility. Furthermore, the Valley of Ashes, a desolate area between the Eggs and New York, introduces the stark poverty of the working class, exemplified by George and Myrtle Wilson. This wasteland serves as a powerful metaphor for the discarded dreams and harsh realities faced by those excluded from wealth, thus highlighting the profound inequalities of the era (Bloom, 2006).
Characterisation and Class Tensions
Fitzgerald also uses characterisation to expose class disparities, particularly through the contrasting figures of Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby. Tom, a product of old money, displays arrogance and a sense of inherent superiority, dismissing Gatsby’s aspirations with disdain. His comment that Gatsby is “Mr. Nobody from Nowhere” (Fitzgerald, 1925, p. 124) encapsulates the rigid boundaries of class that reject newcomers regardless of wealth. Gatsby, on the other hand, represents the self-made man whose obsession with wealth is driven by a desire to transcend his humble origins and win Daisy’s love. However, his ostentatious displays of wealth, such as his lavish parties, are met with mockery by the elite, illustrating the superficial acceptance that new money receives. This tension reveals Fitzgerald’s critique of a society where class is not merely economic but deeply cultural and inherited (Tyson, 2006).
Symbolism of Material Wealth
Material possessions in the novel further underscore class disparity. Gatsby’s mansion, filled with gaudy extravagance, symbolises his attempt to mimic the upper class, yet it lacks the understated elegance of the Buchanan estate. Indeed, Daisy’s voice, described as “full of money” (Fitzgerald, 1925, p. 115), becomes a metaphor for the allure of wealth that Gatsby can never fully possess. Cars, too, reflect social standing—Tom’s sleek vehicle contrasts with Wilson’s rundown garage, reinforcing the material divide. These symbols collectively illustrate how wealth, while attainable for some, cannot erase the ingrained prejudices of class hierarchy (Bloom, 2006).
Conclusion
In conclusion, F. Scott Fitzgerald introduces the theme of class disparity in *The Great Gatsby* through a multifaceted approach encompassing setting, characterisation, and symbolism. The contrasting locales of East Egg, West Egg, and the Valley of Ashes vividly depict the social stratification of 1920s America, while characters like Tom and Gatsby embody the tensions between old and new money. Symbols of material wealth further expose the superficial barriers that perpetuate inequality. Fitzgerald’s portrayal suggests that class disparity is not only a matter of economic difference but a deeply rooted cultural divide that undermines the promise of the American Dream. This critique remains relevant, prompting reflection on how societal structures continue to shape individual aspirations and relationships in modern contexts.
References
- Bloom, H. (2006) *F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby*. Chelsea House Publishers.
- Fitzgerald, F. S. (1925) *The Great Gatsby*. Scribner.
- Tyson, L. (2006) *Critical Theory Today: A User-Friendly Guide*. Routledge.
