Many things have changed since the 1920’s, except for the want of many Americans, and other countries around the world for wealth. Today, people’s economic status tends to define who and what they want to be. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald displays the shift in society after the end of The Great Depression. For example, the effects of the prohibition, the increase in crime, women's role in society, and change in the “American Dream.” Fitzgerald's use of historical events affected his writing through his use of the characters in the novel during the 1920’s. To begin, Fitzgerald’s use of the prohibition greatly influenced the characters in the story. The use of prohibition in The Great Gatsby allowed for the audience’s interest in the main character Jay Gatsby, to unfold. His alcohol filled luxurious parties added mystery and charm to his character. Being a bootlegger allowed him to maintain his new economic lifestyle and provide for his guests. American economist Mark Thornton says, “ Prohibition and its effects on America in the 1920’s drastically affected the writers
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Fitzgerald's distinction between “new money and old money” allows the readers to notice where Daisy’s interests truly are. Rather than Daisy living happily with Gatsby and his new found money, she chooses to live an unhappy life with a man who has a history of wealth. In addition to Daisy’s need for social status, Gatsby drove himself mad trying to achieve wealth. His delusion was caused by his crave of wealth and power justified by his want to impress Daisy. His obsession caused him to be distracted from the original “American Values.” Fitzgerald usage of Gatsby’s lavish parties and glamour, displayed the shift in the American Dream that changed from want of land, family, and a happy life, to a materialistic
Fitzgerald's distinction between “new money and old money” allows the readers to notice where Daisy’s interests truly are. Rather than Daisy living happily with Gatsby and his new found money, she chooses to live an unhappy life with a man who has a history of wealth. In addition to Daisy’s need for social status, Gatsby drove himself mad trying to achieve wealth. His delusion was caused by his crave of wealth and power justified by his want to impress Daisy. His obsession caused him to be distracted from the original “American Values.” Fitzgerald usage of Gatsby’s lavish parties and glamour, displayed the shift in the American Dream that changed from want of land, family, and a happy life, to a materialistic