The Great Gatsby historical context

The End of World War I War ended in 1918 Nine million men died. A new kind of war—machine guns, chemical weapons Little was known about PTSD and the psychological impact of war Many former soldiers were disillusioned and struggled to adjust

1920s Economy Bounced back after the war Lots of money to be made Products and credit lines—people could buy more than ever Cars became affordable for the first time

New Roles for Women Women voted for the first time in 1920 Cars gave women a new level of freedom Hemlines got higher; fashion was more daring Makeup, “bobbed” hair

Prohibition The 18th Amendment made it illegal to sell or consume alcohol—so gangsters took over the business People who sold liquor were called “bootleggers”—could get it at drug stores and soda counters Bars were called “speakeasies”—might be hidden behind a barbershop or other business, or underground

Entertainment Jazz emerged as a popular form of music Radios became commonplace and affordable Movies and the first movie stars Lots of dancing and liquor-fueled parties Money to spend on entertainment The Charleston!

As a result of this… “I can do anything” feeling (success-wise, morality-wise) Resurgence of the “American Dream” that brought immigrants to America in the first place: the belief that anything is possible A feeling of optimism, celebration, and potential

BUT… this was an illusion Over time, there were fewer jobs as there was no need for wartime production Women now competing for jobs Things owned / bought with “virtual money” (stocks / credit & debt)—not real cash A loss of morals due to the liquor- and party-fueled atmosphere Superficial values It couldn’t last.

F. Scott Fitzgerald 1896-1940

Fitzgerald’s background One of the “lost generation” of writers that included Hemingway, Steinbeck, T. S. Elliot, and others Came from “old money”, but was really an outsider in wealthy society

Fitzgerald’s background Served in the Army, but didn’t actually see action in WWI Felt inadequate about this Idolized soldiers—all of his books’ heroes have military experience

Scott and Zelda Fell in love with Zelda Sayre, a wealthy Alabama socialite Fitzgerald was already writing, but the romance fueled a desire to succeed The two got engaged and moved to New York after the war, but Fitzgerald was rejected over and over

Success Fitzgerald finally achieved success with This Side of Paradise, which captured the feelings of the 1920s and made him a celebrity He and Zelda finally married in 1920.

Fitzgerald’s lifestyle Though Scott and Zelda had a daughter, Scottie, their 1920s lifestyle was extravagant and over-indulgent They spent money as quickly as they made it and were always in debt

Career in decline Fitzgerald never again achieved the kind of success he’d had with his first book. He wrote short story collections to make a living and support his family. When The Great Gatsby was published in 1925, it was a critical and commercial failure.

A sad ending Zelda suffered a nervous breakdown in 1930, and would be in and out of sanitariums for the rest of her life, struggling with schizophrenia Fitzgerald supported her for the rest of his life, continuing to publish short stories and even working in Hollywood He had been an alcoholic for most of his life and died of a heart attack in 1940. He was only 44 years old.

Gatsby’s Legacy During World War II, The Great Gatsby was one of many books that were given to soldiers for free—it began to rise in popularity By 1945, it started showing up on bestseller lists as it was sold in paperback It is now appreciated for its important themes and its excellent writing Though Fitzgerald never lived to see it, Gatsby is now considered a Great American Novel.

Themes: The Emptiness of the American Dream Money can’t buy happiness—but happiness is impossible without it Class—old money vs. new money, haves and have-nots. Is love more important than money? Is it possible to repeat the past? Regain what was lost?

Gatsby Geography

Gatsby Geography New York & Long Island

NEW YORK CITY (MANHATTAN) Gatsby Geography EAST EGG WEST EGG “Valley of Ashes” NEW YORK CITY (MANHATTAN)

The Mansions

Characters: Nick Carraway First-person narrator of the book Comes from “old money”, but, like Fitzgerald, is really an outsider Lives in “West Egg”; works in Manhatten—stockbroker Daisy’s cousin

Characters: Daisy Buchanan A socialite from Louisville, Kentucky Comes from tremendous wealth Known for her voice—”full of money” Superficial, careless, beautiful, lacks substance.

Characters: Tom Buchanan Daisy’s insanely wealthy husband Went to college with Nick—was a great athlete Brutish, racist, not very bright, and very opinionated An adulterer

Characters: Jordan Baker Nick’s love interest A famous golfer Young, beautiful, and like Daisy, lacking substance Was suspected of cheating by moving her ball

Characters: Jay Gatsby Owns the mansion next door to Nick in West Egg Throws enormous parties No one knows much about him or what he does Charismatic and very handsome

Characters: The Wilsons Live in the Valley of Ashes—George owns a garage Miserable couple—George is sad; Myrtle is unhappy in the marriage