Examples Of Old In The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby delves into “the most expensive orgy in history” (Pruitt), exploring the jazz age from an insider’s point of view. An innate dissimilarity between old and new money is explored through Fitzgerald’s characters, a point emphasized at the end of the novel. Fitzgerald showcases the distinct behavior and carelessness of generational wealth breeds, ultimately deepening the novel’s theme of Old vs. New money. In the novel, Fitzgerald emphasizes that how money is acquired does matter. This is because there’s a difference in the behaviors and mannerisms of old and new money, allocating them into different social classes regardless of wealth. New money is earned, often through dubious methods, during the 1920s, the time of prohibition (Pruitt).
Meanwhile, old money is generational, and the inheritors tend to be “refined” (Old). One example of this difference in the novel is when Mrs. Sloane “enthusiastically” invites Nick and Gatsby to supper; however, the invitation lacks sincerity, and the party leaves without Gatsby (Fitzgerald Pg.65). It’s apparent that Gatsby doesn't understand that the Sloane’s had not intended for him to accept this invitation. This simple conversation shows that Gatsby lacks the social sensibility so common among the Old Money characters, fostering a subtle divide between the two. Towards the end of the novel, Myrtle, Tom’s lover, is killed by Daisy in a hit-and-run. However, it’s Gatsby who takes the blame. His motive is rather obvious: Gatsby still hopes that Daisy will leave her life of luxury for him (Hansen). This is exactly where the fault lies. While Daisy may be unhappy with her marriage, she’s content. Her moral compass is clouded by the wealth she’s grown up with. It’s even noted that “her voice [was] full of money,” Fitzgerald said.