Social Stratification in "The Great Gatsby".

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West Eggers are portrayed by Fitzgerald as the ‘new rich’ people who are ostentatious, have made their fortunes too quickly and don’t really have any deep connections and lack aristocratic values. They are characterized by lavish displays of wealth (Gatsby’s mansion). East eggers on the other hand are the old rich who are more aristocratic, and more connected with the traditional values. Having said that though, overall, both east eggers and west eggers are fashionable in their wealth, even thought there might be some difference in traditional values and aristocracy. They both exude a sense of material success and pleasures, habits which are common to both. On the other hand, Valley of Ashes is s stark dark contrast to both east and west egg.

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Fitzgerald has depicted social stratification through the contrast of the habits and attitudes the rich (East/West Egg) to those of the poor (Valley of Ashes). This different is clearly evident in the meeting of Tom with George (Page 28). Tom instantly overpowers him in his domineering attitude whereas George is submissive to his authority. Nick also mentions George as blonde, spiritless man, anemic man. He is physical inferior to Tom’s physically prowess.

Even if the case of women, the rich and poor are stratified. IN the introduction of Baker and Daisy on Page 10, Nick clearly describes the fashionable ...

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