Examples of Old Money in The Great Gatsby

Old money, a term often mentioned in F. Scott Fitzgerald's iconic novel The Great Gatsby, refers to the inherited wealth and social status that comes from being born into a wealthy family. Throughout the text, Fitzgerald provides various examples of characters who embody the concept of old money. These characters, such as Tom and Daisy Buchanan, represent a particular class of individuals who have long-standing wealth and privilege. This essay will explore the examples of old money in The Great Gatsby, analyzing the implications of this concept for the characters and the broader themes of the novel.

The Buchanan Family: Epitome of Old Money

One of the primary examples of old money in The Great Gatsby is the Buchanan family. Tom and Daisy Buchanan, the novel's central characters, come from a long line of wealthy and socially esteemed individuals. They have inherited their wealth and status, which is evident through their luxurious lifestyle and their ability to maintain a sense of entitlement. For instance, the novel describes their opulent mansion, filled with extravagant furniture and adorned with expensive artwork.

Moreover, the Buchanans' behavior and attitudes reflect their old money status. They have a sense of superiority and condescension towards others, particularly those they consider beneath their social class. This is demonstrated when Daisy expresses her disdain for "new money" individuals like Gatsby, who acquired their wealth through business endeavors rather than through inheritance. The Buchanan family's old money status allows them to occupy a position of power and social dominance, shaping their interactions and relationships with other characters in the novel.

The Implications of Old Money

The concept of old money in The Great Gatsby carries several implications for the characters and the overall themes of the novel. Firstly, it highlights the stark contrast between old money and new money. While old money represents a traditional and established form of wealth, new money symbolizes individuals who have recently acquired their fortunes through entrepreneurial pursuits. This distinction becomes a significant source of conflict and tension within the novel, particularly between characters like Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby.

Secondly, old money in The Great Gatsby is closely tied to the theme of social class and the illusion of the American Dream. The characters born into old money, like the Buchanans, represent the upper echelons of society, enjoying the privileges and advantages that come with their inherited wealth. In contrast, characters like Gatsby, who accumulate wealth through illegal activities, strive to break into this exclusive circle. However, Fitzgerald portrays the American Dream as an elusive and ultimately unattainable goal for those who lack old money connections.

Furthermore, the presence of old money in the novel underscores the theme of decadence and moral corruption. Characters with old money, such as Tom and Daisy Buchanan, often exhibit reckless and amoral behavior. Their wealth allows them to indulge in a lifestyle of excess, devoid of any meaningful purpose or moral grounding. This is seen through their extramarital affairs, their disregard for the consequences of their actions, and their general indifference towards those less fortunate than themselves.

The Broader Implications

The examples of old money in The Great Gatsby reflect a broader critique of the American society of the 1920s. Fitzgerald uses these characters to expose the flaws and moral bankruptcy of a society that prioritizes wealth and social status over genuine human connections and moral values. The prevalence of old money in the novel serves as a commentary on the hollowness and superficiality of the American Dream, suggesting that true fulfillment and happiness cannot be achieved through material wealth alone.

In conclusion, The Great Gatsby presents several examples of old money, primarily through characters like Tom and Daisy Buchanan. These characters embody the concept of inherited wealth and social status, showcasing the privileges and power that come with being born into a wealthy family. The implications of old money in the novel extend beyond individual characters, highlighting the contrasts between old and new money, examining the illusion of the American Dream, and exploring themes of decadence and moral corruption. Ultimately, Fitzgerald uses the concept of old money to critique the society of the time and question the values it upholds.

Bibliography

Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 2004.