In contrast to other classic novels, The Great Gatsby does not feature central characters that are especially unique. Instead, they are stereotypes that serve to fulfill the purpose of the author, F. Scott Fitzgerald. The actions and attributes of these characters represent those of typical Americans from prominent social groups of the 1920s. For example, Tom and Daisy Buchanan represent the rich Americans who inherited their wealth from their blue blood families. They display their high position in society constantly, but tastefully. This is shown in part by their choice of possessions, which have a calculated elegance and appear to be more intended for show than anything. One major illustration of this is Gatsby’s description of Daisy’s …show more content…
Making use of the plentiful opportunities in organized crime, they became affluent very quickly. They then flaunted their new riches in a way that was viewed as garish and overblown, particularly by old money families. This is displayed in part by Gatsby’s mansion. In contrast to the Buchanan house, which suggests the owners’ status by its traditional architecture and careful upkeep, Gatsby’s mansion is implied to be new imitating old. While Tom and Daisy’s mansion was built long ago and its construction reflects that, Gatsby’s is a replica of a building in France. Even the ivy growing on his house is a thin new layer, not the thick covering that the Buchanan house has acquired over time. Basically, Gatsby’s mansion is not on the same level as the Buchanan mansion, much like Gatsby himself is not on the same level as the Buchanans. In addition, Gatsby is not as adept at reading the social cues of the upper class. The clearest example of his ignorance is when he is invited to dinner by Mrs. Sloane. He does not notice that Mr. Sloane does not want him to accept the invitation, despite how obvious it is to Nick and Tom. Tom especially is shocked that he is oblivious, saying “Doesn’t he know she doesn’t want him?” (Fitzgerald