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What Role Does Social Class in The Great Gatsby Play?

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The social class in The Great Gatsby, the outstanding novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is an integral part of the book. Upper-class people are expected to act with dignity, grace, and decency. Still, this view is deceitful. The corruption and dishonesty of the rich are reflected through the eyes of the main character.

Detailed answer:

For most of the characters, the social class in The Great Gatsby plays a colossal role. It largely determines the area of ​​interest and social circle. Moreover, the concept of this class includes not only welfare but also other aspects. For example, racial division is perceived by many characters from the standpoint of social stratification. It was quite typical for the America of that era. It is noteworthy that all members of high society were white. And only white men and women could afford to be present as guests at any of the parties.

It is fascinating that Nick Carraway did not notice this clear social division at once. Before his acquaintance with Gatsby, he had a different perception of wealthy people. He saw high society as having exquisite manners, courteous, generous, and fair. But, while immersing himself in this environment, the narrator realizes the fallacy of his beliefs. The living energy that these people spend on amusement covers their true nature. Inside, they are corrupt officials and liars. Those vultures are not ready to betray their personal interests for the benefit of others. As a result, the social class in The Great Gatsby is one of the essential criteria for the readers. It helps determine the mood in the society in question and its values.

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IvyPanda. (2024, November 7). What Role Does Social Class in The Great Gatsby Play? https://ivypanda.com/q/what-role-does-social-class-in-the-great-gatsby-play/

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"What Role Does Social Class in The Great Gatsby Play?" IvyPanda, 7 Nov. 2024, ivypanda.com/q/what-role-does-social-class-in-the-great-gatsby-play/.

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IvyPanda. (2024) 'What Role Does Social Class in The Great Gatsby Play'. 7 November.

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IvyPanda. 2024. "What Role Does Social Class in The Great Gatsby Play?" November 7, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/q/what-role-does-social-class-in-the-great-gatsby-play/.

1. IvyPanda. "What Role Does Social Class in The Great Gatsby Play?" November 7, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/q/what-role-does-social-class-in-the-great-gatsby-play/.


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IvyPanda. "What Role Does Social Class in The Great Gatsby Play?" November 7, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/q/what-role-does-social-class-in-the-great-gatsby-play/.