What is the historical context of The Great Gatsby?

What is the historical context of The Great Gatsby?

The Great Gatsby, written by F. Scott Fitzgerald, is set in the 1920s, a period known as the Roaring Twenties, characterized by economic prosperity, cultural change, and the rise of jazz music.

How does the 1920s influence the characters in the book?

The characters are heavily influenced by the era's materialism and social change. Jay Gatsby embodies the American Dream, while Daisy Buchanan represents the era's disillusionment.

What events in the 1920s inspired Fitzgerald's writing?

Fitzgerald was inspired by the post-World War I economic boom, the prohibition era, and the changing social norms regarding class and gender.

Can you explain the significance of the American Dream in the novel?

The American Dream in The Great Gatsby symbolizes the pursuit of wealth and success, but ultimately critiques its attainability and the moral decay behind it.

What are some major themes in The Great Gatsby?

Major themes include the American Dream, class struggle, love and loss, and the illusion of identity.