The Great Gatsby- Jazz Age

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Theme Keyword(s): JAZZ AGE SUMMARY: The Roaring Twenties was a time of opulent lifestyles following the return of soldiers from World War One. A time when the younger generation rejected the values of the older generation. The lifestyle of the East particularly New York City, a place of wealth, was alluring and often, wild and debaucherous (immorality). People with wealthy heritages (Old Money = East Egg) began to resent those with recently acquired wealth (New Money= West Egg), especially if that money was made in dubious ways. The Jazz Age bought with it an economic boom which saw the birth of materialism and consumerism. This was largely due to the introduction of new industries, one of which was advertising. This created a hedonistic (pleasure seeking) society. Metaphorically this is represented by Fitzgerald as the Valley of Ashes, a barren wasteland, symbolically portraying the result of a society which is devoid of all spiritual and moral fiber. Important Settings: East (also Buchanan’s house) and West Egg (Gatsby’s house); NYC (City and Apartment); Valley of Ashes. Example: Quote or Reference Effect: (how does this example link to the theme?) Alcohol motif. i.e: Highballs, Whiskey, Gin Ricky Shows the hedonism of the Jazz age pursuit of self-pleasure and also shows detachment from reality. Jazz age generation break prohibition laws. They are cynical towards values of older generations. ‘I hate careless people’ Page 47 A comment mentioned by Jordan, but this is ironic, as she is a careless driver, this is shown through Nick observing Jordan brushing a pedestrian. She is assuming people with be less carless than her on the road. This shows lack of self-responsibility and also sense of invincibility. This is unreliable and will result in an accident eventually. Corresponds to the inevitable end of the Jazz Age. Fitzgerald
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