The Great Gatsby takes place during the 1920's, which was the time of a huge financial boom. During that time period, people were happy from multiple reasons. The war had just ended, and they way people did things was beginning to change for the better. It was also a great financial time because of the stock market boom. The people were happier than they had been for a long time.
The first three chapters of The Great Gatsby takes place at two different parties. The parties are exciting and lively. In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald says, "On week-ends his Rolls-Royce became an omnibus, bearing parties to and from the city between nine in the morning and long past midnight, while his station wagon scampered like a brisk yellow bug to meet all trains" (39). The time period affects the characters because they are apart of the ideal lifestyle that the people in the 20's were living. They had money, and they were invited to the celebrations for no reason every single night. The way that Daisy, Tom, and Jordan are the best way to describe what life was like during that time. If the book took place in a different time period, the characters would be completely different. They would not have all the money that they have, and they would not be partying constantly and living this care-free lifestyle. Gatsby, even though not much information has been given about him yet, plays a big role in the big. He is the mysterious guy giving the people of New York a party to go to. He has nothing but money, and if this were to take place in a different time period, it is possible that Gatsby would not be as successful as he is, and he would not have all of New York on his property every weekend.
I would also say time period plays a big part in the financial status of the characters. I imagine it would be very difficult for Gatsby, Tom, or anyone to gain the wealth and status they did, if not for the dramatic stock increase that occured in the 20's. Not to mention the different lifestyle. For sure, if it was any other time period, the wealth and constant partying of certain characters would be different. -Shayla McFarland
ReplyDeleteI think that the time period not only effects the character's financial status, but how they react to situations. For instance when daisy says she wishes her daughter to be a fool. This is because of the roles women were forced to play at the time, and I believe has a large role in the despiration ( for lack of a better word) daisy has as a character. She wouldn't be forced to deal with her husband's cheating, or the lack of respect she gets as a woman. And true this probably could also go for gender roles, but the time period is why gender roles play such a big part in the novel. She (daisy) could be a much more desissive character if she would feel comfortable in her possition as a person.
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ReplyDeleteSorry that last one was Joana Tsuhlares
ReplyDeleteSorry that last one was Joana Tsuhlares
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