What Does Prohibition Symbolize In The Great Gatsby

One of the most significant events that occurred in the 1920’s was the Prohibition, which banned the consumption and selling of alcohol in America. During this iconic decade, many authors wrote novels that vividly depicted how life was during the Prohibition. Novels such as The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and The Killers, by Ernest Hemingway, use symbolism throughout the story to portray the Prohibition. The use of symbolism that Fitzgerald uses to represent The Prohibition shows his understanding and familiarity with the topic. The Prohibition is used as a way to symbolize Gatsby’s wealth. In chapter 5, we see Gatsby attempting to persuade Nick into joining his business. “I thought you didn 't, if you 'll pardon my--you see, I carry on a
little business on the side, a sort of sideline, you understand…." (Fitzgerald83). Gatsby uses the words “business
When Hemingway wrote The Killers in 1926, the United States was at the height of the Prohibition era, and criminal activity, particularly in Chicago, was rampant, with gangsters such as Al Capone and Dutch Schultz, which are who the story revolves around, controlling the bootlegging industry. Like Fitzgerald, Hemingway also uses the prohibition in a way signify wealth. Prohibition was in full effect at the time The Killers takes place. “ ‘Got anything to drink?’ Al asked. ‘Silver beer, bevo, ginger-ale,’ George said. ‘I mean you got anything to drink?’ “ (Hemingway 2) Al Capone is portrayed as a strong member of the Mafia; these members of the mafia controlled much of the bootlegging business in Chicago, because Al Capone asked George if he had any alcoholic beverages, it symbolizes how only the bootleggers, who sold these beverages illegally, were able to attain alcohol. Although the whole text did not necessarily revolve around the prohibition, you can see that Hemingway integrated this part of the 1920’s in his