The Great Gatsby: Theme & Key Quotes: Social Class

The Great Gatsby: Theme & Key Quotes: Social Class

Emergence of Social Class Theme:

  • The first instances we encounter the theme of social class are in descriptions of the distinct communities: West Egg and East Egg. West Egg stands for newly rich individuals who have earned their wealth, while East Egg represents those from old money.

  • The quote “Across the courtesy bay the white palaces of fashionable East Egg glittered along the water” contrasts with “I lived at West Egg, the well, the less fashionable of the two”, expressing the social divide.

Development of Social Class Theme:

  • Gatsby’s aspiration to belong to the upper echelon of society is evident in his lavish parties and luxurious mansion. “I think he half expected her to wander into one of his parties, some night”, illustrates his attempts to fit in and attract Daisy.

  • Daisy’s pretentiousness is highlighted in the quote “She’s got an indiscreet voice…It’s full of money,”, suggesting her association with wealth and upper-class status.

Further Exploration of Social Class Theme:

  • The theme is further developed through the character of Tom Buchanan, who, born into wealth, exemplifies the aristocratic class’s disregard for people of lower status, “//Meyer Wolfsheim? No, he’s a gambler. Gatsby should stay away from him.”// illustrates his prejudiced view.

  • When Gatsby fails to win over Daisy, it exposes the hypocrisy of the wealthy. Their relationship status was largely defined by their social class as depicted in “Her voice is full of money” remark made by Gatsby.

Symbolism Related to Social Class Theme:

  • The Valley of Ashes symbolizes the plight of the working class, stuck between the opulent Eggs and the city, symbolizing the stark class difference. “This is a valley of ashes - a fantastic farm where ashes grow like wheat.”

  • The image of the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock represents Gatsby’s aspiration for wealth and upper-class status. “Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgastic future that year by year recedes before us.”

Quotes Reflecting on Social Class:

  • The quote “They were careless people, Tom and Daisy—they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money…” by Nick captures the recklessness and insensitivity of the upper class.

  • “We’re all white here” muttered by Tom indicates how racial and social superiority was intertwined during the Jazz Age.