Social Class
The early 1920s was a time of increased wealth and prosperity for America. The rise of industrialization created a working class and wealthy class that lived very differently. Anybody could make money, no matter their background. This made families from old money look down upon the newly rich and how they earned their money. “Or perhaps I had merely grown used to it, grown to accept West Egg as a world complete in itself, with its own standards and its own great figures, second to nothing because it had no consciousness of being so, and now I was looking at it again, through Daisy’s eyes.” (104)
The early 1920s was a time of increased wealth and prosperity for America. The rise of industrialization created a working class and wealthy class that lived very differently. Anybody could make money, no matter their background. This made families from old money look down upon the newly rich and how they earned their money. “Or perhaps I had merely grown used to it, grown to accept West Egg as a world complete in itself, with its own standards and its own great figures, second to nothing because it had no consciousness of being so, and now I was looking at it again, through Daisy’s eyes.” (104)
Innovations
Major innovations in business organization, manufacturing, and technology helped the economy grow in the 1920's. Many people began to have enough money to buy new kinds of products. In the early part of the decade, the stock market prices soared, increasing consumerism.
Major innovations in business organization, manufacturing, and technology helped the economy grow in the 1920's. Many people began to have enough money to buy new kinds of products. In the early part of the decade, the stock market prices soared, increasing consumerism.
The American Dream
The meaning of the American Dream changed over time and varies between social classes. During the 1920’s, for some people, it meant wanting to become wealthy and have an extravagant, lavish lifestyle. Other people wanted a family and more comfortable lifestyle. For some, it was an era of greed and pursuit of empty pleasures that gradually destroyed the traditional moral values of people during this time.
The meaning of the American Dream changed over time and varies between social classes. During the 1920’s, for some people, it meant wanting to become wealthy and have an extravagant, lavish lifestyle. Other people wanted a family and more comfortable lifestyle. For some, it was an era of greed and pursuit of empty pleasures that gradually destroyed the traditional moral values of people during this time.
“I suppose he’d had the name ready for a long time, even then. His parents were shiftless and unsuccessful farm people — his imagination had never really accepted them as his parents at all.” (98)
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“I raised him up out of nothing, right out of the gutter. I saw right away he was a fine-appearing, gentlemanly young man, and when he told me he was an Oggsford I knew I could use him good.” (171)
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“Her voice is full of money.” Gatsby said suddenly. That was it. I’d never understood before. It was full of money-that was the inexhaustible charm that rose and fell in it." (120)
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