The “Roaring Twenties” were a progressive period of the twentieth century placed between two periods of great devastation and loss. While many World War I veterans produced literary works describing their disillusionment and uncertainty about the traditional values of the world, many literary and cultural hearths were developing across the world. With the optimism left by the end of the war, and the popular hedonistic state of mind growing among young families, the 1920s marked an era of advancement and industrialization. According to Linda Alchin in the article Economic Boom 1920s, “The Roaring Twenties is the name given to the era in American history between the end of WWI and the commencement of the Great Depression” (Alchin). Although
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This created an optimistic mindset throughout the United States, since many people did not preoccupy themselves with preparing for an economic crash due to conflict. The development of optimism led to the creation of the “American Dream”, in which Americans sought after wealth and love to find true happiness. This idea stemmed from the soldiers’ disillusioned views of the past, and the desire for peace and contentment. As described by Kate O’Connor in her article The Lost Generation, “Rather than face the horrors of warfare, many worked to create an idealised but unattainable image of the past, a glossy image with no bearing in reality” (O’Connor). The “American Dream” not only influenced Fitzgerald throughout his pursuit of happiness in life, but also was incorporated into Gatsby’s character. Gatsby seeks wealth and love in a life with Daisy, but his life falls apart when this dream is destroyed. However, his vision of an “American Dream” was a driving force in his fame and success, and prompted him to maintain hope throughout the five years he was separated from Daisy. Although the optimism brought by the belief in the “American Dream” greatly influenced Fitzgerald’s life, the influence of other soldiers and authors helped to form his style of writing as
This created an optimistic mindset throughout the United States, since many people did not preoccupy themselves with preparing for an economic crash due to conflict. The development of optimism led to the creation of the “American Dream”, in which Americans sought after wealth and love to find true happiness. This idea stemmed from the soldiers’ disillusioned views of the past, and the desire for peace and contentment. As described by Kate O’Connor in her article The Lost Generation, “Rather than face the horrors of warfare, many worked to create an idealised but unattainable image of the past, a glossy image with no bearing in reality” (O’Connor). The “American Dream” not only influenced Fitzgerald throughout his pursuit of happiness in life, but also was incorporated into Gatsby’s character. Gatsby seeks wealth and love in a life with Daisy, but his life falls apart when this dream is destroyed. However, his vision of an “American Dream” was a driving force in his fame and success, and prompted him to maintain hope throughout the five years he was separated from Daisy. Although the optimism brought by the belief in the “American Dream” greatly influenced Fitzgerald’s life, the influence of other soldiers and authors helped to form his style of writing as