How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Section.Paragraph)
Quote #7
[Braddock] sealed up the mine. What had been taken out of it would support all the Washingtons yet to be born in unparalleled luxury for generations. His one care must be the protection of his secret, lest in the possible panic attendant on its discovery he should be reduced with all the property-holders in the world to utter poverty. (4.14)
This raises an interesting point – Washington is responsible not just for maintaining his own wealth, but for maintaining the stability of the world's economy. The top echelon of society has enormous influence, but also enormous liability.
Quote #8
It was too dark to see clearly into the pit below, but John could tell from the coarse optimism and rugged vitality of the remarks and voices that they proceeded from middle-class Americans of the more spirited type. (6.23)
OK, so we've now encountered representatives of the wealthy (Braddock Washington), the poor (the slaves), and here the middle class (the imprisoned men). How does this new element support the social satire Fitzgerald has established so far with his story?
Quote #9
[Braddock:] "How absurd. How could a man of my position be fair-minded toward you? You might as well speak of a Spaniard being fair-minded toward a piece of steak." (6.37)
Washington makes the argument that it is natural for men of wealth and power to exploit those beneath him. Later, his daughter Kismine will make the same argument to John. Fitzgerald seems to be saying that this is the ideology which allowed early Americans to justify their own brand of exploitation.