The Great Gatsby Chapter 6 Analysis

Ch.6- The Buchanans Step Out Of Their Comfort Zone
Chapter six starts with discovering pieces of Gatsby's previous lifestyle before this one. Gatsby was born in the midwest and grew up with the name “James Gatz”. Both of his parents were farmers, which he saw as an unsuccessful career and did not accept them as his parents. He worked as a clam digger, which did not earn him a sufficient amount of money. Gatsby grew up spoiled with constant attention from women, which made him take women for granted. Gatsby was not satisfied with his life, he thought very highly of himself and would not work any job that he thought was beneath his status. One day a alcoholic and women addicted man named Dan Cody took Gatsby under his wing and showed Gatsby
He wanted to go, and he didn’t see that Mr.Sloane had determined he shouldn’t ”(Fitzgerald,Chapter 6,pg.103 ) This quote is very significant to understanding the difference between old money and new money. It demonstrates the leap of social ranking between the two. Old money families such as the Sloanes, do not want to be associated with the “lower” classes. They think of themselves as god like figures who must surround themselves with people they consider worthy. New money like Gatsby, want to fit in with the higher society. This is why Gatsby is oblivious to the disapproval of Mr.Sloane when Gatsby indicated he wanted to join them. Gatsby has an image for himself which depicts him as the highest class possible, however the reality is that old money view him as another celebrity that won't be remembered in the next generations. Old money is seen as immortal because the family names live on forever, whereas new money is almost like a one hit wonder type of situation. This difference in classes relates to the major theme of the insincerity of the upper class. New money tends to show off more to try and attain the higher status of old money. Old money lack the sincerity of life and have little to no heart. For example, when Tom shoved the extra cash for the puppy in the merchant’s face. Old money is so self absorbed in themselves that anyone below them is seen as a charity or as peasants. Overall, this quote demonstrates the heartlessness
I feel very sympathetic towards Gatsby even more than before. He started from the bottom and worked his way up to success and a nice life. All Gatsby wants to do is to fit in with hi s”equals”. A bit of reality punched him in the face, when the miserable Mr.Sloane made it very clear that he was not welcomed with the upper class. The light of hope that sparked in Gatsby when he thought he would attend an old money event, sets the line between old and new money. New money still has hope in society and have dreams, even if they seem impossible. Old money is filled with snobby secluded and close-minded people , who have no goals in life. This wouldn't be my paper if I didn't express my abhorrence toward the one and only Tom Buchanan. Tom is the epitome of the upper class and for men in general. He is the definition of a stereotypical snobby, rich, and privileged white jock. He has zero respect for women even if they are the mother of his one and only child. He has the audacity to literally take a pencil from his wife to write down other women’s phone numbers. Then questions the acts of Gatsby trying to make him look suspicious, when really Tom is just jealous that Gatsby has manners and appreciation towards others. Poor Gatsby has his hopes and dreams so high, I really wish things will work out for him in the end. I’d be devastated to see