Social Class In The Great Gatsby Essay

The role of social classes is one of various themes and ideas in the novel, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, that has left scholars debating for years. Since the creation of social classes, a social division between both the rich and poor has developed. The upper class is aware that their money places them in a position of power, so they belittle and treat others with no respect. This debatable topic will be supported by the novel, Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston and other critical essays by Tanfer Emin and Carla Verderame. They all share the same concluding idea that wealth can corrupt the human mind along with society. Wealth can exempt you from any form of penalty and make resources easier. Although Tom is a prime example of a wealthy person who believes he has a divine right to devalue those who are not as privileged as him, Jordan Baker represents the carelessness of the upper class better. She acknowledges her lack of accountability for anything; “I am careful.” “No, you’re not.” “Well, other people are,” she said lightly.

The ego can feed off of hearing that it’s great without doing anything. Tom’s ego feeds off of people wanting and needing him for his money. Especially his “lower class mistress whose materialism makes him feel powerful” (Verderame par. 5). Tom’s inflation with the feeling of pride gives him a sense of false superiority, “Tom is not afraid to lash out against women (especially his lower class mistress whose materialism makes him feel powerful) in order to exhort authority over them” (Tanfer par. 13). Myrtle's need for a piece of the pie and wanting for Tom puts an idea in his head where he thinks he can mistreat her: “ Daisy! Daisy! Daisy!’ shouted Mrs. Wilson. ‘ I’ll say it whenever I want to ! Daisy! Dai —‘ Making a short deft movement, Tom Buchanan broke her nose with his open hand.” (Fitzgerald pg 37) Tom keeps Myrtle around for these