The Great Gatsby - Context
The Jazz Age
The Jazz Age –
-Music
-Bathtub Gin
-Cynicism
-Hedonistic
Lifestyles
After World War 1
Americans faith in
reform was shattered,
leading the younger
generation to rebel
against traditional
taboos while their
elders engaged in a
bout of consumption
and speculation
Cultural Conflict
0ld Vs. New America
Pitting a more
cosmopolitan,
modernist culture
against a more
provincial,
traditionalist rural
culture
Cultural Conflict
Rise of consumerist
economy and mass
entertainment
Culture Conflict
Sexual mores, gender
roles, hair styles and
dress changed
Liberation from
Victorian past
New morals = decay
of society