The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, explores the theme of new money through the characters and their pursuit of wealth in the 1920s. In this essay we will delve into the concept of new money and its meaning in the novel. By examining the experiences of Jay Gatsby, Tom Buchanan, and Daisy Buchanan, we will discover the complexities of new money and its effects on social status, relationships, and the American dream. Ultimately, this essay argues that new money, while offering opportunities for upward mobility, often comes at a price. It can lead to superficial relationships, materialistic pursuits, and the loss of one's true identity. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay New money, as described in The Great Gatsby, refers to individuals who have recently acquired wealth, typically through business ventures or inheritances. These individuals have not inherited their wealth across generations and do not have the social status associated with “old money.” Fitzgerald highlights the distinction between new and old money to demonstrate the changing social dynamics of the 1920s. The character of Jay Gatsby is a great example of new money, as he accumulates wealth through illegal means and attempts to integrate into the upper class. Evidence from the text: “I found out what your 'drug stores' were. He turned to us and spoke quickly, 'He and this Wolfsheim bought up a lot of drug stores here and in Chicago and sold alcohol over the counter. This is a of his little stunts time I saw him, and I wasn't far wrong.'” (Fitzgerald 141) Analysis: Gatsby's wealth is built on illegal activities, which indicates the corrupt nature of the new money. His lack of social acceptance among the upper classes is evident in Tom Buchanan's disdainful comment on Gatsby's criminal activities. The pursuit of wealth in The Great Gatsby is closely linked to the desire for social status. New money characters, such as Gatsby, attempt to use their wealth to gain acceptance in elite circles of society. However, they often encounter resistance and prejudice from those with old money. Tom Buchanan, representative of the old money, sees the new money as inferior and lacking the refined education and cultural knowledge associated with the upper class. Evidence from the text: "'An Oxford man!' He was in disbelief. 'What the hell is! He's wearing a pink suit.'" (Fitzgerald 139) Analysis: Tom's disparaging comment about Gatsby's education and his focus on Gatsby's clothing highlights the prejudice against new money. Despite Gatsby's extravagant wealth, his social status remains tainted in the eyes of those with old money. The presence of new money in The Great Gatsby has a significant impact on the relationships depicted in the novel. Characters with new money often have difficulty forming authentic connections with others, as their wealth becomes a barrier to authentic relationships. Daisy Buchanan, who comes from rich old men, is torn between her love for Gatsby, a man with new money, and the security that her marriage to Tom Buchanan, a man with old money, provides. Evidence from the text: "They were careless people, Tom and Daisy, they tore things and creatures to pieces and then they retreated into their money or their immense carelessness, or whatever it was that held them together, and they let other people would clean up the mess they had made." (Fitzgerald 188) Analysis: The Buchanans' wealth acts as a shield, allowing them to escape the consequences of their actions. Their imprudent behavior demonstrates how new money can lead to, 2004.