Final answer:
Tom is likely considered part of the 'new money' group in society, as he lacks old money's social standing, customs, and expectations, with his wealth likely being self-acquired within his generation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the context provided, it seems that Tom is depicted as a character who has obtained wealth, though the sources of his money are not explicitly stated as self-made or inherited. However, from the scenes described, we can infer that Tom has likely not earned his wealth through conventional means such as a profession or entrepreneurship, as indicated by the crowd trying to exploit his wealth and his own failed attempt at writing a play.
Moreover, Tom's propensity for gambling and squandering away his fortune situates him as a person who may lack the discipline and management skills often associated with self-made wealth. This leads to the conclusion that Tom's place in society would likely be with those of 'new money', who have acquired wealth within their own generation, rather than 'old money', which denotes inherited wealth.
In the context of U.S. society, such a distinction often leads to different social standings and perceptions, with those of new money at times lacking the social grace and acceptance of the established upper class.