Literature is a very important tool for historical analysis. The portrayal of the characters and the use of literary devices says a lot about the state of the people at any given time period. This is seen through the two novels- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. These two novels take place in the 1920’s and 1930’s; the characteristics of these time periods are incorporated into both novels. The 1920’s were a turning point in American society, the time that ignited consumer culture, partying, and optimism, rightfully earning the title of “The Roaring Twenties”. However, they were also a time of reckless behavior and cluelessness, a time of, “more more more”—when even the best did not seem good enough.
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Americans were dealing with the biggest economic collapse up until that point and the standard of living had decreased significantly. The extravagant lifestyle of the 1920’s was dead and the majority of Americans struggled to merely get by. The novel Of Mice and Men takes place in this time period and it is evident through the description of the characters and use of symbolism. The two novels, The Great Gatsby and Of Mice and Men both effectively illustrate the moods of their time periods. While the novels share a similar interpretation in the concept of the American Dream, they portray different reasons through the contrasting moods. The Great Gatsby has a more carefree, extravagant mood much like the 1920’s; While Of Mice and Men shares the dark lonely mood of the 1930’s. This contrast illustrates the significant differences of the time …show more content…
The novels The Great Gatsby and Of Mice and Men show this statement through the differences in characterization. The characters in The Great Gatsby are reckless yet optimistic while the characters in Of Mice and Men are depressed, lonesome and hopeless. These contrasts through the two novels are seen sufficiently through the descriptions and actions of the characters. While these differences show a fundamental difference between the time periods, the similar ways in which the novels deal with the American Dream show a continuity over time. Both novels speak to the idea that dreams must eventually die. The reasons differ from novel to novel however the general theme is present. In conclusion, The characters of The Great Gatsby and Of Mice and Men effectively illustrate the differences of the two time periods while sharing a common
Americans were dealing with the biggest economic collapse up until that point and the standard of living had decreased significantly. The extravagant lifestyle of the 1920’s was dead and the majority of Americans struggled to merely get by. The novel Of Mice and Men takes place in this time period and it is evident through the description of the characters and use of symbolism. The two novels, The Great Gatsby and Of Mice and Men both effectively illustrate the moods of their time periods. While the novels share a similar interpretation in the concept of the American Dream, they portray different reasons through the contrasting moods. The Great Gatsby has a more carefree, extravagant mood much like the 1920’s; While Of Mice and Men shares the dark lonely mood of the 1930’s. This contrast illustrates the significant differences of the time …show more content…
The novels The Great Gatsby and Of Mice and Men show this statement through the differences in characterization. The characters in The Great Gatsby are reckless yet optimistic while the characters in Of Mice and Men are depressed, lonesome and hopeless. These contrasts through the two novels are seen sufficiently through the descriptions and actions of the characters. While these differences show a fundamental difference between the time periods, the similar ways in which the novels deal with the American Dream show a continuity over time. Both novels speak to the idea that dreams must eventually die. The reasons differ from novel to novel however the general theme is present. In conclusion, The characters of The Great Gatsby and Of Mice and Men effectively illustrate the differences of the two time periods while sharing a common