# How does The Plastic Age develop the theme of Social Class and Fraternity Snobbery?

> The Plastic Age by Percy Marks

## Answer

The Plastic Age by Percy Marks develops Social Class and Fraternity Snobbery across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.

Fraternities serve as a microcosm of social hierarchy, where wealth, prep school background, and family status determine acceptance, while characters like Carl Peters struggle with feelings of inadequacy and the desire for aristocratic belonging.

Carl notes that the Nu Delta fraternity is 'high-hat as hell,' and Hugh's father is a Nu Delt, hinting at social hierarchies on campus.

Carl reveals his family's nouveau riche status and lack of social class, highlighting class distinctions even among students.

After the class rush, sophomores Adams and Dodge recognize Hugh's fighting ability and immediately plan to 'rush him' for their fraternity, highlighting how social worth is often measured by physical prowess and conformity.

## Evidence

- [i](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_plastic_age_se/chapters/i.md): Carl notes that the Nu Delta fraternity is 'high-hat as hell,' and Hugh's father is a Nu Delt, hinting at social hierarchies on campus.
- [vi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_plastic_age_se/chapters/vi.md): Carl reveals his family's nouveau riche status and lack of social class, highlighting class distinctions even among students.
- [vii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_plastic_age_se/chapters/vii.md): After the class rush, sophomores Adams and Dodge recognize Hugh's fighting ability and immediately plan to 'rush him' for their fraternity, highlighting how social worth is often measured by physical prowess and conformity.
- [viii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_plastic_age_se/chapters/viii.md): Mr. Carver's emphasis on Nu Delta and the idea of 'gentlemen' versus 'vulgarians' reflects the snobbery and class distinctions inherent in fraternity culture.
- [xii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_plastic_age_se/chapters/xii.md): Carl's anxiety about his nouveau riche background and the upper-classmen's perception of it highlight the class-based snobbery within fraternity culture.
- [xvi](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_plastic_age_se/chapters/xvi.md): Nu Delta's exclusion of Catholics and Jews, and the emphasis on money, athletics, and prep school background.
- [xvii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_plastic_age_se/chapters/xvii.md): Henley explicitly criticizes fraternity hierarchies and the worship of athletes over intellectuals, highlighting class and social divisions on campus.
- [xviii](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_plastic_age_se/chapters/xviii.md): Tucker's criticism of Hugh's friendships with Parker (Catholic) and Einstein (Jewish) underscores the fraternity's snobbery and prejudice, and Hugh's defiance reflects class and ethnic tensions.

## Links

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