Theme of New Money in The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, explores the theme of new money through the characters and their pursuit of wealth in the 1920s. In this essay, we will delve into the concept of new money and its significance in the novel. By examining the experiences of Jay Gatsby, Tom Buchanan, and Daisy Buchanan, we will uncover the complexities of new money and its effects on social status, relationships, and the American Dream. Ultimately, this essay argues that new money, while providing opportunities for upward mobility, often comes with a price. It can lead to shallow relationships, materialistic pursuits, and the loss of one's true identity.

New money, as portrayed in The Great Gatsby, refers to individuals who have recently acquired wealth, typically through business ventures or inheritance. These individuals have not inherited their wealth through generations and lack the social status associated with "old money." Fitzgerald highlights the distinction between new and old money to demonstrate the changing social dynamics of the 1920s. The character of Jay Gatsby serves as a prime example of new money, as he amasses his wealth through illegal means and attempts to integrate into the upper class.

Evidence from the text: "I found out what your 'drug-stores' were. He turned to us and spoke rapidly. 'He and this Wolfsheim bought up a lot of side-street drug-stores here and in Chicago and sold grain alcohol over the counter. That's one of his little stunts. I picked him for a bootlegger the first time I saw him, and I wasn't far wrong.'" (Fitzgerald 141)

Analysis: Gatsby's wealth is built on illegal activities, which signifies the corrupt nature of new money. His lack of social acceptance among the upper class is evident in Tom Buchanan's disdainful comment about Gatsby's criminal activities.

The pursuit of wealth in The Great Gatsby is closely tied to the desire for social status. New money characters, like Gatsby, attempt to use their wealth to gain acceptance in the elite circles of society. However, they are often met with resistance and prejudice from those with old money. Tom Buchanan, representing old money, views new money as inferior and lacking the refined upbringing and cultural knowledge associated with the upper class.

Evidence from the text: "'An Oxford man!' He was incredulous. 'Like hell he is! He wears a pink suit.'" (Fitzgerald 139)

Analysis: Tom's dismissive comment about Gatsby's education and his focus on Gatsby's attire highlights the prejudice against new money. Despite Gatsby's extravagant wealth, his social status remains tainted in the eyes of those with old money.

The presence of new money in The Great Gatsby has a significant impact on the relationships portrayed in the novel. Characters with new money often struggle to form genuine connections with others, as their wealth becomes a barrier to authentic relationships. Daisy Buchanan, who comes from old money, is torn between her love for Gatsby, a man with new money, and the security that her marriage to Tom Buchanan, a man with old money, provides.

Evidence from the text: "They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made." (Fitzgerald 188)

Analysis: The Buchanans' wealth acts as a shield, allowing them to escape the consequences of their actions. Their careless behavior demonstrates how new money can lead to superficial relationships and a lack of accountability.

In conclusion, the theme of new money in The Great Gatsby sheds light on the complexities and consequences of pursuing wealth in the 1920s. Fitzgerald's portrayal of characters like Gatsby, Tom Buchanan, and Daisy Buchanan highlights the challenges faced by those with new money as they strive for social acceptance. The novel suggests that new money, while providing opportunities for upward mobility, often leads to shallow relationships, materialistic pursuits, and the loss of one's true identity. The Great Gatsby serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the potential pitfalls of the pursuit of wealth in an era marked by excess and superficiality.

Bibliography

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