Synthesis Essay
The Flapper—a “New Woman” in the 1920s
The 1920s have famously been known as the Roaring 20s and the Jazz Age, a
term coined by F. Scott Fitzgerald himself. Many influences came together in
what might seem to be the “perfect storm” of social change: the end of World
War 1, a newly industrialized nation, the sudden empowerment given by the
19th Amendment, and “all that jazz,”—both literally and figuratively. No longer
were women willing to stay home and keep house. Many, young and old,
suddenly assumed a new image; they called themselves flappers, and with
bobbed hair, short skirts, and rolled stockings, they displayed a new attitude
that shocked traditionalists.
In a well-developed essay, define and explain this new woman, the “flapper.” Provide information on the
social, cultural, and political environment that may have inspired or enveloped some of these changes. A
strong essay will cover much more than heavy makeup and short skirts; rather it will show how the
attitudes, morals, clothing, and makeup were relevant to the era. Your final paper should be between
500 and 750 words.
 In a multi-paragraph essay, develop a clear and focused claim that cites at least three qualities that
would define a flapper.
 Engage your audience with a “hook” paragraph, possibly in a narrative or descriptive style.
 Present facts or other supporting evidence from at least three credible sources. Evidence may be in
the form of direct textual quotations or inferences made from the texts.
 Locate and insert at least one piece of visual evidence (a photograph, drawing or graph) to support
your claim.
 Explain how each piece of evidence relates to and supports your primary claim.
 Use appropriate transitions and syntax to provide cohesion between the paragraphs and ideas.
 Use appropriate diction to develop a formal yet pleasant tone that utilizes imagery, metaphor, simile
and analogy, as appropriate.
 Accurately and appropriately cite evidence from at least 3 sources, including the graphics, using inline and/or parenthetical citations.
 Citations will reference a final bibliography (not annotated) in MLA format; see list given below.
 The final text will demonstrate your understanding of relevant vocabulary.
 Demonstrate effective use of standard English conventions of usage and mechanics.
See bibliographic list of sources provided on reverse.
The following works are provided for your convenience. You are free to do further research and provide
relevant sources of your own. When you create your own Works Cited page, include only those works
you actually cite in your paper (thus the title, Works Cited). Do not include sources that are not
referenced in your essay.
Works Provided
“19th Amendment to the US Constitution: Women’s Right to Vote.” America’s Historical Documents.
National Archives, n.d. Web. 16 Oct 2013 <http://www.archives.gov/historical-docs>.
Allen, Jodie T. “Reluctant Suffragettes: When Women Questioned Their Right To Vote.” Numbers, Facts,
and Trends Shaping Your World. Pew Research Center. 18 March 2009. Web. 11 Nov 2013
<http://www.pewresearch.org/2009/03/18/reluctant-suffragettes-when-women-questionedtheir-right-to-vote/>.
Bliven, Bruce. “Flapper Jane. ”The New Republic: 9 Sep 1925. University of Colorado Boulder, n.d. Web.
16 Oct 2013 <http://w ww.colorado.edu/AmStudies/lewis/1025/flapperjane.pdf>.
Crowther, Samuel. “The Flapper.” Learn NC. University of North Carolina, n.d. Web. 8 Nov 2013
<http://www.learnnc.org/lp/editions/nchist-newcentury/5802>.
Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1995. Print.
“General Election, 1929.” Flappers: Primary Source Graphics. Humanities 3 Course Handout. Nov 2013.
Print.
“Group of Girls in Flapper Attire.” Flappers: Primary Source Graphics. Humanities 3 Course Handout. Nov
2013. Print.
Johnstone, Will B. “If the Flapper Edits the Obsolete Words.” Flappers: Primary Source Graphics.
Humanities 3 Course Handout. Nov 2013. Print.