Rebirth of The Great Gatsby: A Twentieth Century Classic

2032 Words5 Pages

The Great Masterpiece The Great Gatsby is a literary sensation, and it is known all around the world. At least, that’s how it is now. When The Great Gatsby was first released, it was viewed as Fitzgerald’s worst work ever. It wasn’t even in stores long because it wasn’t selling. However, after only 20 years the nations view on this book was completely changed. How did this book go from being called “a glorified anecdote,” and “a book for the season only,” to “the classic of the twentieth century?” The factors that make this story so great are its spot on depiction of the 1920s, the optimistic and idealistic innocence of the characters, and the candid way he inserted harsh truth into the story. The 1920s was a time of prosperity and change, He also tried to conceal his affairs to maintain a look of elegance. There was also a change in American culture in the 1920s. This was the time when Jazz music was introduced to the world, and the roles of women were changed. Jazz music was a new thing for Americans. It was created by African Americans, and it had a huge impact, on the society. This music mainly affected the youth and women of this time period. For the youth, it changed the way they danced and put a gap between them and the older generation. The impact it had on women was more towards their mindset. Jazz music caused the rise of the flapper women, who were, more seductive with their activities than most woman. Women wanted to have all the same opportunities as men. They weren’t going for the role of a submissive housewife, but active the female that could make it on her own. The Jazz impact can best be seen in The Great Gatsby when Nick and Gatsby meet Meyer Wolfsheim. They are in a club with Jazz music playing and flappers are dancing all around. Nick and Gatsby would have been considered part of the youth of that day, and they are surrounded by the influence of Jazz. The last depiction of the 1920s that It was dragged into World War II. During this time period, books were being produced more rapidly. Because they had started printing paperbacked books, it cost less to make them. They were sending these books over to the countries soldiers, so they’d have something to take their mind off the war. One of these books was The Great Gatsby. The books perfect description of the former period in this country showed them where they came from, the optimism of the characters showed them how to have in something and believe in people, and the blunt, realistic nature of the book made it seem like a likely story. When the war ended, the great review it got from the soldiers completely changed how it was seen by the world. It gave this nation hope, and a memory to hold

Open Document