To this date, Scott F. Fitzgerald is one of the most, if not, the most famous chronicler of 1920’s America. The “Roaring 20’s” or “The Jazz age” occupy periods between the 1920’s and 1930’s. This era was infamously known for Jazz music that was all the rage, daring artistic movements, displays of opulent wealth, sought after bootlegged alcohol and prosperity lingered in the air as a result of the economic, social and environmental effects of the World War.
It is imperative to comprehend the history, context and conditions surrounding the time in which Fitzgerald’s novel existed in order to wholly capture the essence of Fitzgerald’s narrative.
The First World War left the globe in a state of devastation, tragedy, despair and shock. Survivors of the war returned home and were dubbed as “The Lost Generation”. The generation was deemed as ‘lost’ due to the horrific circumstances and disillusionment that soldiers experienced as a result of witnessing countless deaths and destruction at the battlefield. This led to a loss or rejection of traditional and inherited values, and instead adapted impotent, overindulgent and hedonistic tendencies.
During this era, the 18th Amendment was passed, meaning there was a nationwide ban which halted and forbade the production, transportation and sale of alcoholic beverages. Many mobsters and criminals took advantage of what seemed to be a gap in the market and amassed fortunes by bootlegging alcohol which was distributed through speakeasies, secret social societies and upstanding establishments.
The U.S. economy began to flourish and rapidly recover after undergoing a post-war depression. A massive consumer economy and culture was created. Citizens were increasingly becoming rich, not only did they spend money on necessary items, but they had the flexibility to purchase and acquire consumer products, leisure, and recreational activities. Goods such as automobiles, entertainment, clothing and vacations were bought as a result of the disposable income Americans had, producing a highly materialistic and capitalistic society.
As the novel advances, we could come to consider that Gatsby “comes inevitably to stand for America itself ” (125)
Will, Barbara. “” The Great Gatsby” and the Obscene Word.” College Literature (2005): 125-144.
Fitzgerald’s text mimics, mirrors and echoes ideologies, lifestyles and conditions surrounding the “Roaring 20’s” and “Jazz Age” where Gatsby serves as a symbol for America. The Great Gatsby essentially echo’s and critically inspects American society through its characters who embody, embrace and epitomize the values, ethics, behaviors and customs (or lack thereof) that were prevalent at the time in which Fitzgerald wrote and experienced life.
References
Will, Barbara. “” The Great Gatsby” and the Obscene Word.” College Literature (2005): 125-144.
What I find interesting regarding the consequences of the 18th Amendment is that there was a rise, I presume, in people seemingly ‘forced’ or wanting to engage in illegal activities such as the consumption of wine. This reminds me of a saying that is generally used in similar circumstances. ‘Anything that is banned/forbidden is wanted’ which is exactly the case here. The reason the bootleggers were able to accumulate so much profit was because there was a large consumer market that was ready to toss away their Benjamins.
It’s really cool how the novel portrays the idea of Prohibition in such an important way. Gatsby’s money comes from this Prohibition period, and how he was able to throw all those lavish parties. Through the novel, and this history of the time period it’s interesting to see how much of the norms the Americans broke in a mere decade, bringing about newer and ‘improved’ ways of life.
I think one thing that the novel does not do well, is depicting the characters in a way that they would be likable to the audience. Otherwise, it is pretty spot on to how the 1920s were, and how much they changed the way of life of the Americans. The novel could have worked better at showcasing the American Society as overall just “nice” and not ALL of them being completely overtaken by the ways of life in the ’20s.
Informative post Tarab!
“Fitzgerald’s text mimics, mirrors and echoes ideologies, lifestyles and conditions surrounding the “Roaring 20’s” and “Jazz Age” where Gatsby serves as a symbol for America”
What’s interesting about him mimicking, mirroring and echoing the “Roaring 20’s” and “Jazz Age” is that he does not shy away from including the problematics in his portrayal. He expresses the lifestyle openly in his text, without constricting himself with making sure that his portrayal is the pitch perfect American Dream. Unlike the media at that time, everything presented adhered to that dream, while in some instances, his text expressed otherwise. Perhaps this could explain Noor’s post ‘The Initial Reception of The Great Gatsby”, where critics and readers disenfranchised his work because it did not adhere to their optimal vision of America.