argument top image

What are the themes of The Great Gatsby?
Back to question

The Great Gatsby is about The Roaring Twenties

The Roaring Twenties was a time of wealth, glamour, and having a high social status.
The Great Gatsby book education literature reading

The Argument

The US during the 1920s was a time of social and economic prosperity, often being referred to as the roaring twenties or the jazz age. Many women felt comfortable being more expressive by wearing short flapper dresses. This was also during prohibition, which led to many speakeasies and bootleggers, like Jay Gatsby.[1] The ideal American Dream during this time is to become vastly wealthy and have a high social status due to the economic boom. People experienced more personal freedom with their growing wealth. The Roaring Twenties brought new ideals and morals, changing the concept of the American dream. Success was measured by superficial means such as money and a high social class.

Counter arguments

The 1920s was also full of corruption and crime. Due to the prohibition, illegal speakeasies and bootleggers became popular. In The Great Gatsby, the character Meyer Wolfsheim is based on Arnold Rothstein, a famous gangster that is speculated to have fixed the World Series in 1919. The novel also highlights the immorality of the characters, especially regarding adultery. Every character has either cheated on their spouse or have encouraged it. Gatsby is indifferent about Daisy being married and still attempts to pursue her. Nick Carraway and Jordan Baker both help bring Gatsby and Daisy together. Tom Buchanan cheated on his wife with multiple women.

Proponents

Premises

[P1] There was economic and social growth during the 1920s. [P2] Achieving the American dream meant becoming wealthy and popular. [P3] Morals and ideas changed during the 1920s, becoming more superficial.

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P1] The 1920s also had a rise in crime.

References

  1. https://www.history.com/news/great-gatsby-roaring-twenties-fitzgerald-dark-side
This page was last edited on Thursday, 10 Sep 2020 at 11:07 UTC

Explore related arguments