Class Identity as a Motivational Force in the Great Gatsby
School of Languages and Literature/English Supervisor: Claes Lindskog Examiner: Anna Greek
Level: G3 2EN50E 15hp 18 May 2011
Old Money versus New:
Class Identity as a Motivational Force in The Great Gatsby
Emma Johansson
2
Abstract The purpose of this essay is to explore the thesis that Gatsby’s dream in the novel The Great Gatsby, is to climb the class ladder and become a member of the upper class while members of that class feel threatened by the nouveau riche and tries to shut him out. Class identity is the main theme of the essay. Gatsby comes from a humble background but he decides early in his life that he wants a different life for himself and his aspirations are similar to the concept of the American dream. This essay argues that his dream undergoes a transformation when he meets Daisy and it becomes more aimed at becoming a member of the upper class, for which Daisy is a symbol. The upper class couple, Tom and Daisy, represent the old money going downhill, while Gatsby as a self-made man represents the new money that wants equal social status to that of the upper class.
3
Table of contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 4 Gatsby’s background and the birth of a dream ....................................................................... 6 The transformation of Gatsby’s dream ....................................................................................10 Gatsby and money .................................................................................................................. 17 Tom and Daisy Buchanan ....................................................................................................... 18 Nick Carraway ........................................................................................................................ 26 Conclusion
Level: G3 2EN50E 15hp 18 May 2011
Old Money versus New:
Class Identity as a Motivational Force in The Great Gatsby
Emma Johansson
2
Abstract The purpose of this essay is to explore the thesis that Gatsby’s dream in the novel The Great Gatsby, is to climb the class ladder and become a member of the upper class while members of that class feel threatened by the nouveau riche and tries to shut him out. Class identity is the main theme of the essay. Gatsby comes from a humble background but he decides early in his life that he wants a different life for himself and his aspirations are similar to the concept of the American dream. This essay argues that his dream undergoes a transformation when he meets Daisy and it becomes more aimed at becoming a member of the upper class, for which Daisy is a symbol. The upper class couple, Tom and Daisy, represent the old money going downhill, while Gatsby as a self-made man represents the new money that wants equal social status to that of the upper class.
3
Table of contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 4 Gatsby’s background and the birth of a dream ....................................................................... 6 The transformation of Gatsby’s dream ....................................................................................10 Gatsby and money .................................................................................................................. 17 Tom and Daisy Buchanan ....................................................................................................... 18 Nick Carraway ........................................................................................................................ 26 Conclusion