Relationship Between Gatsby and Old Money

In the 1920s, America was experiencing a period of rapid economic growth and social change. The divide between old money, inherited wealth passed down through generations, and new money, wealth acquired through individual effort, was becoming increasingly pronounced. In "The Great Gatsby," Jay Gatsby represents the epitome of new money. He is a self-made man who has amassed his fortune through bootlegging and other illicit activities. On the other hand, characters like Tom Buchanan and Daisy Buchanan come from old money backgrounds, with their wealth and social status inherited from their families.

The relationship between Gatsby and old money in the novel is characterized by tension and conflict. Gatsby is determined to win over Daisy, who is married to Tom, despite the societal barriers that separate them. His extravagant parties and lavish displays of wealth are seen as gauche and vulgar by the old money elite, who view him as an interloper trying to buy his way into their social circle. Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy is ultimately doomed by his inability to bridge the gap between old money and new money.

Throughout the novel, the relationship between Gatsby and old money undergoes a series of developments. Gatsby's obsession with Daisy blinds him to the reality of her marriage to Tom and the social barriers that separate them. His belief in the power of wealth and status to overcome all obstacles leads to his downfall. In the end, Gatsby is betrayed by Daisy and Tom, who represent the entrenched power of old money and the limitations of social mobility in the Jazz Age.

One example of the tension between Gatsby and old money in the novel is the character of Tom Buchanan. Tom represents the old money elite who view Gatsby with disdain and suspicion. In a conversation with Nick Carraway, Tom dismisses Gatsby as a "bootlegger" and questions the legitimacy of his wealth. This exchange highlights the deep-seated animosity and class prejudice that exist between Gatsby and old money characters like Tom.

Moreover, the character of Daisy Buchanan serves as a symbol of the unattainable allure of old money for Gatsby. Daisy’s voice is described as "full of money," representing the seductive power of wealth and privilege that Gatsby longs to possess. Despite his efforts to win Daisy over with his wealth and extravagant lifestyle, Gatsby ultimately fails to break through the barriers of old money that separate them.

In conclusion, the relationship between Gatsby and old money in "The Great Gatsby" is a reflection of the social and economic tensions of the 1920s. The novel explores the conflict between old money and new money, and the limitations of wealth and status in determining one's place in society. Gatsby's tragic end serves as a cautionary tale about the power and limitations of the American Dream. The dynamics between Gatsby and old money in the novel continue to resonate with readers today, making "The Great Gatsby" a timeless exploration of class, wealth, and social aspiration. In his essay "The Great Gatsby and the American Dream," literary critic James L.W. West III argues that the relationship between Gatsby and old money reflects the broader theme of social mobility and the limitations of the American Dream. West suggests that Gatsby's tragic fate serves as a commentary on the elusive nature of success and happiness in a society where class and wealth determine one's opportunities and limitations.