The Plastic Age · Theme
Social Class and Fraternity Snobbery
How The Plastic Age develops Social Class and Fraternity Snobbery.
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.
Where it surfaces
- I
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
Carl reveals his family's nouveau riche status and lack of social class, highlighting class distinctions even among students.
- VII
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
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
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
Nu Delta's exclusion of Catholics and Jews, and the emphasis on money, athletics, and prep school background.
- XVII
Henley explicitly criticizes fraternity hierarchies and the worship of athletes over intellectuals, highlighting class and social divisions on campus.
- Chapter XVIII
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.