The Great Gatsby written by F. Scott Fitzgerald is as much a novel about social hierarchy as it is about class-consciousness. Throughout the novel we are bombarded with images of extravagant wealth and shuddering pauperism with the elite upper class using those around them as stepping-stones to their own selfish happiness.

The novel makes a point to differentiate between classes within classes especially how the sociology of the wealthy differs within itself. The new millionaires (represented by Gatsby and those of the West Egg) of the twenties are much more crass compared to the old aristocracy (represented by the Buchanan's and those of East Egg). Fitzgerald describes the newly rich as being unrefined and lacking in taste. Gatsby for instance live in a monstrous ornate mansion wears gaudy pink suits...