Introduction
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s *The Great Gatsby* (1925) is a seminal work of American literature that explores themes of wealth, aspiration, and social stratification in the Jazz Age. Set in the fictional towns of West Egg and East Egg, the novel presents a stark contrast between ‘old money’—inherited wealth associated with established social elites—and ‘new money’—recently acquired wealth often linked to self-made individuals. This essay examines how the conflict between old and new money in *The Great Gatsby* reflects the real class divisions in the United States during the 1920s, a period marked by economic prosperity, rapid industrialisation, and shifting social structures. By analysing key characters, settings, and thematic elements in the novel alongside historical contexts, this essay argues that Fitzgerald’s portrayal mirrors the broader tensions of class, status, and social mobility in the Roaring Twenties. The discussion will focus on the symbolic representation of old and new money, the social barriers depicted in the novel, and their connection to historical realities of wealth distribution and cultural attitudes during the era.
Old Money vs. New Money: Symbolic Representation in The Great Gatsby
In *The Great Gatsby*, the distinction between old and new money is vividly embodied in the characters of Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby, as well as the contrasting locales of East Egg and West Egg. Tom, a representative of old money, resides in East Egg, a place of inherited privilege and refined aristocracy. His wealth is tied to family legacy, and his character exudes a sense of entitlement and disdain for those outside his social class. In contrast, Jay Gatsby, the epitome of new money, lives in West Egg, a less prestigious area populated by the nouveau riche. Gatsby’s wealth, accumulated through questionable means, lacks the historical legitimacy of old money, rendering him an outsider despite his opulence (Fitzgerald, 1925).
This symbolic division mirrors the real class tensions in 1920s America, where the rapid economic growth following World War I led to a surge in newly wealthy individuals, often through industries like manufacturing or speculation. However, as Lehan (1990) notes, old money families—rooted in longstanding wealth from landownership or early industrial success—viewed the nouveau riche with suspicion, often associating them with vulgarity or moral corruption. Fitzgerald’s use of geography in the novel underscores this divide, with the physical separation of East and West Egg reflecting the impenetrable social barriers of the time. Indeed, Gatsby’s lavish parties, attended by a mix of social climbers and opportunists, highlight his desperate but ultimately futile attempt to gain acceptance among the old money elite.
Social Barriers and Exclusion in the Novel
The conflict between old and new money in *The Great Gatsby* is further illustrated through the social barriers that prevent Gatsby from fully integrating into the world of the Buchanans. Despite his wealth, Gatsby is repeatedly excluded due to his lack of social pedigree. Tom Buchanan’s contempt for Gatsby, evident in his derisive comments about Gatsby’s past and origins, reflects the old money elite’s gatekeeping tendencies. For instance, Tom’s dismissal of Gatsby as “Mr. Nobody from Nowhere” (Fitzgerald, 1925, p. 124) underscores the entrenched belief that wealth alone cannot buy social legitimacy. Moreover, Daisy’s ultimate rejection of Gatsby in favour of Tom suggests that emotional and cultural ties to old money outweigh the allure of new wealth, further entrenching class divisions.
This exclusionary dynamic resonates with the historical context of the 1920s, where class mobility was often more illusory than real. According to Trask (1971), while the decade saw significant economic growth and opportunities for wealth accumulation, social acceptance remained elusive for many of the newly rich. Old money families maintained their dominance through exclusive social clubs, elite educational institutions, and strategic marriages, mechanisms that were largely inaccessible to individuals like Gatsby. Furthermore, cultural norms of the time often equated new money with instability or immorality, a prejudice that Fitzgerald captures in the gossip surrounding Gatsby’s mysterious fortune. Thus, the novel’s depiction of social barriers aligns closely with the lived experiences of class division in the 1920s.
Historical Context: Class Divisions and the American Dream
The 1920s, often termed the Roaring Twenties, was a period of profound economic disparity in the United States. While the era is remembered for its prosperity, driven by industrial expansion and stock market booms, this wealth was unevenly distributed. As Cowley (1951) observes, the decade saw a widening gap between the rich and the poor, with the top 1% of Americans controlling a disproportionate share of the nation’s wealth. Within the wealthy elite, tensions between old and new money were palpable, as traditional aristocrats sought to distance themselves from the industrial tycoons and speculators who had rapidly ascended the social ladder.
Fitzgerald’s exploration of the American Dream in The Great Gatsby—the belief in upward mobility through hard work and determination—intersects with these historical class divisions. Gatsby embodies the pursuit of this dream, yet his failure to achieve lasting acceptance reveals its limitations. As Miller (2007) argues, the 1920s version of the American Dream was increasingly tied to materialism rather than moral or social ideals, a shift that left individuals like Gatsby vulnerable to rejection by those who valued heritage over ambition. Therefore, the conflict between old and new money in the novel serves as a critique of the era’s hollow promises of social mobility, reflecting a society where class boundaries were rigid despite apparent economic opportunities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the conflict between old money and new money in *The Great Gatsby* offers a compelling lens through which to examine the real class divisions of the 1920s. Through characters like Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby, as well as the symbolic settings of East and West Egg, Fitzgerald captures the tension between inherited privilege and newly acquired wealth, a dynamic that mirrored the cultural and social realities of the Roaring Twenties. The novel’s portrayal of exclusionary social barriers and the illusory nature of the American Dream further aligns with historical evidence of entrenched class hierarchies and uneven wealth distribution during the era. Ultimately, Fitzgerald’s work serves as both a narrative and a critique of a society grappling with rapid economic change and persistent social stratification. The implications of this analysis extend beyond the 1920s, prompting reflection on how wealth, status, and class continue to shape social interactions and individual aspirations in modern contexts. By exploring these themes, *The Great Gatsby* remains a poignant commentary on the complexities of class in America, offering valuable insights for contemporary readers and scholars alike.
References
- Cowley, M. (1951) *Exile’s Return: A Literary Odyssey of the 1920s*. Viking Press.
- Fitzgerald, F. S. (1925) *The Great Gatsby*. Charles Scribner’s Sons.
- Lehan, R. (1990) *F. Scott Fitzgerald and the Craft of Fiction*. Southern Illinois University Press.
- Miller, J. E. (2007) *F. Scott Fitzgerald: His Art and His Technique*. New York University Press.
- Trask, D. F. (1971) *World War I and After: The 1920s*. Harper & Row.
