1. The Great Gatsby Historical Context & Study Schedule

2. The 1920’s: Nicknames The Roaring 20’s The Jazz Age The Flapper Era The Aspirin Age The Age of Wonderful Nonsense What do these nicknames suggest about the time period?

3. 1920’s Context

4. Post WWI Physical & Spiritual Euphoria & Freedom Disregard for Pre-War Values Financial Freedom: - Low interest / buying on credit - Stock market growth - Relative luxury for common people

5. Implications for the 1920’s “I can do anything” feeling (success- wise, morality-wise) Resurgence of the “American Dream” that brought immigrants to America in the first place: “If you put your mind to something and work hard, you can have whatever you want (money, success, fame) even if you start with nothing.”

6. Therefore, the 1920’s feel was: Optimism Freedom Celebration Positive feeling about the promises & potential of new life and new values

7. BUT… Upon what were all of these great feelings actually founded?

8. Answer: nothing “real” Death of family & friends in War Fewer jobs as Wartime production over Women competing for jobs Things owned / bought with “virtual money” (stocks / credit & debt) Morally bankrupt society; no solid values (carefree, silly, fun)

9. The American Dream… …a misleading illusion:

10. The Great Gatsby: Geography

12. Gatsby Reading Schedule Friday 10th: Chapters 1-3 Monday 13th: Chapters 4-5 Tuesday 14th: Chapters 6-7 Wednesday 15th: Chapters 8-9 Thursday 16th: Gatsby Test & Film

13. Related Handouts Gatsby Biography / Book Review Gatsby Essay Topics Getting into The Great Gatsby Chapter Questions

14. Enjoy The Great Gatsby!