Which fundamental distinction does Fitzgerald draw between Tom's and George's work?

• A. Tom's wealth serves only himself while George's work benefits society
• B. Tom's wealth is shared equally with all
• C. George's work is useless
• D. Tom's work is more intellectual than George's

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is the contrast between wealth as idle power and work as a socially useful, earn-earned contribution. Fitzgerald draws a sharp separation where Tom’s money is depicted as self-serving and wielded to dominate or indulge, whereas George’s labor as a mechanic is portrayed as productive and beneficial to the community. This sets up a moral distinction: wealth without work can corrupt and empower selfishness, while honest, skilled labor serves others and keeps daily life functioning.

The correct option captures that distinction by saying Tom’s wealth serves only himself while George’s work benefits society. The other options don’t fit because they either misstate the dynamics (wealth being shared equally) or mischaracterize George’s work as useless or Tom’s as primarily intellectual, which isn’t how Fitzgerald frames their contributions.