In this document you will find a detailed summary of the context of 'The Great Gatsby'. I have focused on the life of F.Scott Fitzgerald, including his tumultuous marriage and extravagant lifestyle, and the events that were shaping America during his lifetime, such as the emergence of a new woman...
The Great Gatsby-Context
The early life and influences of F.Scott Fitzgerald
He was born into a family of some social standing, although with little money. Fortunately his
rich family members, the McQuillians, paid for his education at Princeton University however he
did not graduate but instead joined the army in 1917. It would be here that he met and fell in
love with debutante Zelda Sayre, who would later give birth to a girl and become
institutionalised in 1930. Fitzgerald moved to New York and took up work in an advertising
agency so he could become financially stable enough to marry Zelda. The married couple's life
had become synonymous with life in the 1920’s : drinking, dancing and extravagant living. They
travelled extensively in the U.S.A and Europe. Unfortunately the couple's drinking habits
became excessive , taking its toll on Fitzgerald writing and their marriage was also plagued with
financial difficulties. In order to cope Fitzgerald had to write many short stories for publication in
magazines to fund their lifestyle. Zelda had to be institutionalised and resided in different
institutions.
America's involvement in WW1
America remained neutral at the beginning of the war. Many contributed to the relief efforts;
ambulance drivers, nurses, pilots and soldiers. However, in early 1917 a series of events
changed American attitudes.After a German telegram revealed a plan offering Mexican territory
it had lost during the Mexican-American war, it brought the U.S into war on the side of the
allies,as Germany had prohibited the submarines from neutral ships.The U.S government took
an active role in mobilising American industry while in France General John ‘’Black Jack’’ led the
effort to organise millions of incoming American troops into an effective fighting force. U.S forces
were thrown into action and helped turn back a German assault and played an emerging role as
the allies finally pushed back the Germans on the Western Front. America had 116,000 military
deaths and 200,000 wounded.
American dream of the 1920’s
During the 1920’s, the perception of the American dream was that an individual can achieve
success in life regardless of family history or social status, if only they work hard enough. It was
finally possible for someone to immigrate to the U.S seeking freedom and better life, to actually
realise that dream
What were ‘the roaring twenties’?
Refers to the 1920’s decade in music and fashion, as it happened in western society and
culture. A decade of prosperity and dissipation. A surging economy created an era of mass
consumerism. A surging economy caused by technological progress which led to the mass
production of goods, electrification of America, increased employment, which in turn created a
huge amount of consumers.
What was the Jazz Age?
A period in the 1920's and 1930’s in which Jazz music and dance styles gained nationwide
popularity in the U.S. The Jazz Ages cultural repercussions were felt primarily in the US, the
birthplace of Jazz. Musicians that brought Jazz to a mainstream audience included Louis
Armstrong and Roll morton. Jazz musicians were almost always black and their popularity
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