Pre-reading Gatsby blog notes
- Created by: Romero-montague
- Created on: 12-05-20 09:28
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Why are we still reading a book written in the 1920's? What gives a book its longevity?
- same reason we study history today- immersed in era we haven't lived in
- uncover diff perspective- not popular currently- try to understand why people thought/acted way they did
- themes in book are still relevant today- gives book longevity- idea of making loved of beauty for love of money+ extreme capitalist ideas (still in capitalist soc)
How was the 1920's a reaction to WW1?
- America made a lot of money during WW1- increase in exports- sent supplies to the allies
- War destroyed business competitor (Germany)
- making money during war= USA begin to produce more "luxuary items"- use advertising techniques discovered during war to help sell
- demand for goods increased- production increased- more jobs- mass production=wage increase- people have more money to spend (cycle of prosperity)
- people own bussiness/bought stocks getting increasingly wealthy
- issues= socially aceptable to get into debt as long as stayed up to date with latest things
- WW1 helped kickstart American economy- became celebration
- 1920's= sort of rebellion- womens fashion esp
- women wear trousers for first time- more practical for work- continued to wear as well as looser clothing throughout 1920's and later
- rebellion also in the form of prohibition
In what ways does wealth alter the relations between individuals and the society's in which they live?
- rich people - entrepreneurs, stock brokers/investors, bussiness and people born into money= prosper
- believe society revolves around them- inclined to be more reckless, careless- see themselves as untouchable- believe everyone has their place
- poor struggle- 60% below poverty line- changes in industry- old= minig, mine closures, workers in old industries laid off- farmers, overproduced food in WW1, food prices dropped
- begin to aspire to move up the social ladder (Myrtle)
- try to keep up with latest trends- debt easier with higher purchase scheme
- rich prosper+party- poor struggle
What is the "American…
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