The main character's social stratification changes depicted in The Great Gatsby novel during the roaring twenties

Abstract

This study analyzes the changes of the main character’s social stratification in The Great Gatsby during the roaring twenties. It focuses on how Gatsby’s social class changes from lower class to  working class, then lower middle class, and finally to lower-upper class. In addition, it also analyzes how Gatsby tries to improve his power and status during that era. This study uses qualitative descriptive methods with primary data from The Great Gatsby novel, supported by sociological theories from Max Weber related to social stratification. The data was collected by reading the novel and identifying relevant data related to the problem formulations. The results show that although Gatsby achieves wealth and changes his social class, he fails to gain power and status in the upper class because his wealth is earned through illegal activities, especially bootlegging. This research reveals that social mobility in the roaring twenties was influenced not only by wealth but also by background, reputation, and legality. The study offers insight into class, power and status portrayed in the novel during the roaring twenties.