Friday, February 19, 2016
Time Period Luke Knollinger
The time period is key to the success of this story. One of our discussion questions as I recall asked us if this story could take place in another time. I believe not for a few reasons. First this time in American history was a booming success. The Great War caused our production rate of supplies and good to increase. Not only does this circulate more money, but also creates more jobs. During this time, prohibition was in effect meaning this created a black market for boose. This would create revenue for people who had the "Connections" so to speak. Also due to the influx of the economy, this created a rise in popularity in stocks and bonds which after the 20's, would result in a crash and create what is known as the Great Depression. But this story takes place before that so the significant increase in wealth in this time is shown by Jay and Tom in particular for which they both have money. This also correlates that people were starting to spend willingly on anything such as Jay spends money on oranges and lemons. An example of this can be when Nick describes all of the elegant shirts of Gatsby's when he says," He took a pile of shirts and began throwing them"(Fitzgerald 92). He had so much money to spend on just shirts. That is crazy. I'm certain that in the future, there will be more instances of us seeing Gatsby's wealth in items for enjoyment.
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I agree that financially this is the only time it is possible for this story to take place. People are getting over the war and have the means to splurge due to the black market of booze. That being said you point out the shirts. We must think, why did the author put this in the story, the amount of shirts Gatsby has. True it does show his vast amount of wealth and that is important, but he's also showing this to Daisy, the living embodiment of Gatsby's dreams and desires. I think that scene can really show the motivators behind wealth, to gain to reach the people you love, to be at the places you want, not necessarily the things themselves. He has those shirts to impress Daisy.
ReplyDeleteJoana Tsuhlares
DeleteI agree as well. Gatsby's wealth is enormous. Wealth can motivated us to do certain things. Wealth can get us more than we could ever think of having. The one thing Gatsby doesn't have though, is Daisy. He is trying his best to attract her attention and to have her more involved in his life. -Carson Corrick
ReplyDeleteI don't think that the book could take place in another time period as well. The wealthy people got their money because of what the times were like. If it wasn't for the stock markets and the boom of the 1920s, everyone would have a lot less money. Also, the war ending added to the excitement of the 1920s. Everyone was glad it was over which led to constant celebration. This is the perfect time for this story to take place because it is the perfect way to show Gatsby's wealth
ReplyDeleteOlivia Palotay
DeleteI think if the story were to take place in another time period minor details would have to be switched. The whole love story and parties could all still happen. Just little things like how he has the money would have to be switched. I can definitely see a modern version of this story but I like it in this time period because of the unique vibe it gives us.
ReplyDeleteJared Jorden