What does the following exchange between Gatsby and Tom tell us about Gatsby’s wealth and class?
“She’s not leaving me!” Tom’s words suddenly leaned down over Gatsby. “Certainly not for a common swindler who’d have to steal the ring he put on her finger.”
“I won’t stand this!” cried Daisy. “Oh, please let’s get out.”
“Who are you, anyhow?” broke out Tom. “You’re one of that bunch that hangs around with Meyer Wolfshiem—that much I happen to know. I’ve made a little investigation into your affairs—and I’ll carry it further tomorrow.”
“You can suit yourself about that, old sport,” said Gatsby steadily.
“I found out what your ‘drugstores’ were.” He turned to us and spoke rapidly. “He and this Wolfshiem bought up a lot of side-street drugstores here and in Chicago and sold grain alcohol over the counter. That’s one of his little stunts. I picked him for a bootlegger the first time I saw him, and I wasn’t far wrong.”
Gatsby is very wealthy and would have a happy life with Daisy
Gatsby is not wealthy enough to support Daisy’s lifestyle
Gatsby is very wealthy and comes from an upper class family
Gatsby is very wealthy, but he still doesn't have the right profession or family background to be equal to Daisy.
Gatsby is very wealthy, but he still doesn't have the right profession or family background to be equal to Daisy.
The exchange between Gatsby and Tom reveals some information about Gatsby's wealth and class. Specifically, it suggests that Gatsby is very wealthy, but he doesn't have the right profession or family background to be considered equal to Daisy in Tom's eyes.
Tom accuses Gatsby of being a "common swindler" and suggests that Gatsby would have had to steal the ring he put on Daisy's finger. This implies that Tom believes Gatsby's wealth is illegitimate and that he comes from a lower social class.
Furthermore, Tom mentions Gatsby's association with Meyer Wolfshiem, who is known to be involved in illegal activities like bootlegging. Tom alludes to Gatsby's "drugstores," which were likely fronts for selling illicit alcohol. Tom's implication is that Gatsby's wealth is obtained through illegal means, reinforcing his perception of Gatsby as being from a lower class.
Overall, while Gatsby may be very wealthy, the exchange suggests that he does not have the right profession or family background to be considered equal to Daisy and Tom's social circle.