Changes In The Great Gatsby
The French and Industrial Revolutions brought many positive and negative changes to the society in which they were born. Similarly, the 1920’s was a time of numerous changes for the modern world. Life became faster, moral standards relaxed, new technology was developed, and alcohol and materialism became more prevalent. F. Scott Fitzgerald addresses these changes negatively in his classic novel, The Great Gatsby. The party scenes found in chapters two and three are especially good examples of Fitzgerald’s antipathy on the modern world. Fitzgerald uses the characters and scenes found in these chapters of The Great Gatsby to portray the negative effects certain 1920’s changes had on the modern world. The first party, found in chapter two,
…show more content…
Despite the Prohibition, alcohol is abundant and there is an excess of drinking in both party atmospheres; people become drunk, disoriented, more violent, and “The bottle of whiskey--a second one--was now in constant demand by all present” (Fitzgerald, 39). Both parties end with a violent scene, “Tom Buchanan broke [Myrtle’s] nose with his open hand” (Fitzgerald, 41), and the car accident at the end of chapter three.These alcohol-induced outbursts demonstrates the behavior that may be found in speak easies, or during liquor battles between gangs (1920’s). The 18th amendment, which was supposed to prohibit the transportation, sale, and consumption of alcohol, was ignored, and with it, many people’s sense of moral values and concern for …show more content…
In a short time period, hair and dresses became shorter, and more skin was being shown by women (1920’s). In chapter three, Gatsby hosts a large and fancy party, and “By midnight the hilarity had increased” (Fitzgerald, 51). People relax and enjoy themselves throughout the night, dancing, drinking, and some making a scene. “Laughter is easier, minute by minute, spilled with prodigality, tipped out at a cheerful word” Fitzgerald, 44). The actions of the characters at Gatsby’s party show that the world of the novel isn’t founded on solid morals or attitudes. People do and say what they please, as well as begin to disregard traditional
Despite the Prohibition, alcohol is abundant and there is an excess of drinking in both party atmospheres; people become drunk, disoriented, more violent, and “The bottle of whiskey--a second one--was now in constant demand by all present” (Fitzgerald, 39). Both parties end with a violent scene, “Tom Buchanan broke [Myrtle’s] nose with his open hand” (Fitzgerald, 41), and the car accident at the end of chapter three.These alcohol-induced outbursts demonstrates the behavior that may be found in speak easies, or during liquor battles between gangs (1920’s). The 18th amendment, which was supposed to prohibit the transportation, sale, and consumption of alcohol, was ignored, and with it, many people’s sense of moral values and concern for …show more content…
In a short time period, hair and dresses became shorter, and more skin was being shown by women (1920’s). In chapter three, Gatsby hosts a large and fancy party, and “By midnight the hilarity had increased” (Fitzgerald, 51). People relax and enjoy themselves throughout the night, dancing, drinking, and some making a scene. “Laughter is easier, minute by minute, spilled with prodigality, tipped out at a cheerful word” Fitzgerald, 44). The actions of the characters at Gatsby’s party show that the world of the novel isn’t founded on solid morals or attitudes. People do and say what they please, as well as begin to disregard traditional