Great Gatsby Proletariat Analysis

Reading novels written almost a hundred years ago, such as The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, allows us now to analyze class division and find parallels to our world now. The novel constantly displays how social classes were divided through conflicts that can easily be overlooked, but do speak volumes about the culture of the 1920’s. We observe that the proletariat is dependent on the bourgeoisie, which suggests that the proletariat is subject to use by the bourgeoisie at their own desire for whatever they desire. Wilson keeps questioning Tom about the car Tom had said he wanted to sell. Tom is a person of wealth and material which makes him a bourgeoisie and Wilson is much more of a proletariat due to his lack of money and material. Wilson is building his own automobile repair
“‘Right you are,’ agreed the policeman, tipping his cap. ‘Know you next time, Mr. Gatsby. Excuse me!’” (Fitzgerald 52). The policeman, a proletariat, is being used by Gatsby’s wealth and status to avoid any and all consequences any other person would be subjected to if they had violated the rules as Gatsby had. This displays the power that a bourgeoisie may have against the proletariat and how they actively use it. The proletariat will not fight back because complying will mean that the two remain on good terms, thus allowing the proletariat to have the illusion of having a source to go to when it comes to trying to advance themselves. It is clear that the officer was glad to let Gatsby get by without any consequence after knowing of his wealth, status, and connection with the commissioner, which Gatsby knew how to benefit from these assets prior to their encounter. This knowledge is what creates a stronger division between the classes since the bourgeoisie knowingly uses the proletariat to their own