Topic > Examples of Old Money in the Great Gatsby he inheritance of wealth and social status that comes from being born into a wealthy family. Throughout the text, Fitzgerald provides various examples of characters who embody the concept of old money. These characters, like Tom and Daisy Buchanan, represent a particular class of individuals who possess long-standing wealth and privilege. This essay will explore the examples of old money in The Great Gatsby, analyzing the implications of this concept for the characters and broader themes of the novel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The Buchanan Family: Epitome of Old Money One of the main examples of old money in The Great Gatsby is the Buchanan family. Tom and Daisy Buchanan, the central characters of the novel, come from a long line of wealthy and socially esteemed individuals. They inherited their wealth and status, which is evident through their luxurious lifestyle and their ability to maintain a sense of entitlement. For example, the novel describes their opulent mansion, filled with extravagant furniture and adorned with expensive works of art. Furthermore, the Buchanans' behavior and attitudes reflect their old monetary status. They have a sense of superiority and condescension towards others, especially towards those they consider lower than their social class. This is demonstrated when Daisy expresses her disdain for "new money" individuals like Gatsby, who acquired their wealth through business activities rather than through inheritance. The Buchanan family's old money status allows them to occupy a position of power and social dominance, shaping their interactions and relationships with the other characters in the novel. The Implications of Old Money The concept of old money in The Great Gatsby carries several implications for the characters and overall themes of the novel. First, it highlights the stark contrast between the old money and the new money. While the old currency represents a traditional and established form of wealth, the new currency symbolizes individuals who have recently acquired their fortunes through entrepreneurial activities. This distinction becomes a significant source of conflict and tension within the novel, particularly between characters such as Tom Buchanan and Jay Gatsby. Secondly, old money in The Great Gatsby is closely linked to the theme of social class and the illusion of the American dream. Characters born into the wealthy, such as the Buchanans, represent the upper echelons of society, enjoying the privileges and advantages that come with inherited wealth. In contrast, characters like Gatsby, who accumulate wealth through illegal activities, seek to enter this exclusive circle. However, Fitzgerald describes the American dream as an elusive and ultimately unattainable goal for those without ties to old money. Furthermore, the presence of old money in the novel highlights the theme of decadence and moral corruption. Old money characters, such as Tom and Daisy Buchanan, often display reckless and amoral behavior. Their wealth allows them to indulge in a lifestyle of excess, devoid of any meaningful purpose or moral foundation. This is evident through their extramarital affairs, their disregard for the consequences of their actions, and their general indifference towards those less fortunate than them. The broader implications, 2004.
tags