The 1920s was a wild decade of jazz music, flappers,... Show more
SociologySign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
300
•
2 Dec 2025
•
Exploring The Great Gatsby and the Roaring 1920s
morana
@nerdytechgoddess00
1 / 4
The Roaring Twenties Context
The 1920s was absolutely buzzing with change and energy! After World War I ended, America experienced massive economic growth and cultural transformation. This was the Jazz Age - cities like New York, Chicago, and Paris became centres of art, music, and fashion.
President Warren G. Harding promised to return America to "normalcy," but what actually happened was anything but normal. New technologies like cars, movies, and radios brought modernity to ordinary people's lives. Jazz music exploded in popularity, and the flapper movement revolutionised how women dressed and behaved.
However, this prosperity came with a dark side. American society was still deeply racist, sexist, and hostile to immigrants. The decade's glamour often masked serious inequalities and social problems that would later contribute to the Great Depression.
Key Point: The 1920s economic boom created new opportunities for some, but also deepened class divisions and social tensions.
Flapper Culture and Hedonistic Living
Young women in the 1920s completely transformed traditional gender roles through the flapper movement. They cut their hair short, wore shorter skirts, drank alcohol, and partied like never before - basically everything that would have shocked their mothers' generation.
In The Great Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan perfectly represents this flapper lifestyle. She spends her days lounging around wondering "What'll we do with ourselves this afternoon... and the next thirty years?" This shows how wealthy flappers lived purely for pleasure with no real purpose or direction.
The novel also highlights how the wealthy completely ignored Prohibition (the ban on alcohol from 1920). They threw lavish parties with plenty of booze because they knew their money would protect them from consequences. When Daisy kills Myrtle Wilson in a car accident, she simply flees the state with her husband, leaving Gatsby to take the blame.
Remember: The upper classes in the 1920s lived by the motto "live for today" - but their reckless behaviour often destroyed other people's lives.
Class Barriers and Social Inequality
Here's the harsh reality the novel exposes: no matter how much money you earned, you couldn't buy your way into the upper class if you weren't born there. Jay Gatsby accumulates massive wealth through questionable means, but Tom Buchanan still dismisses him as "Mr nobody from nowhere."
Tom constantly mocks Gatsby's possessions - calling his expensive Rolls Royce a "circus wagon" and his famous parties "menageries." These insults aren't really about the quality of Gatsby's things; they're about protecting class boundaries. Tom knows that if people like Gatsby can join the elite, his own inherited privilege becomes meaningless.
The novel shows how classism was so embedded in 1920s society that people didn't even recognise it as a problem. Working-class characters like George Wilson work incredibly hard but never get ahead, whilst wealthy characters like Tom and Daisy destroy lives without facing any consequences.
Think About It: Fitzgerald suggests that the American class system was actually more rigid than many people realised - hard work alone wasn't enough to change your social position.
The Death of the American Dream
The Great Gatsby delivers a brutal critique of the American Dream - the idea that anyone can achieve success through hard work and determination. The novel shows this belief as tragically naive and ultimately destructive.
George Wilson represents the working class's faith in this dream. Even when he's sick and struggling, he keeps working and planning to "go west" for a fresh start. His determination is admirable but heartbreaking because readers can see it's hopeless.
Gatsby's death symbolises the death of the American Dream itself. Despite his enormous effort and wealth, he fails to win Daisy and dies alone in his pool. His story suggests that the dream was always an illusion designed to keep people working whilst the wealthy maintained their power.
The novel's final message is deeply pessimistic about 1920s America. Through characters from different social classes, Fitzgerald shows how the era's dominant ideologies - the American Dream, hedonism, and rigid class systems - ultimately harmed society rather than improving it.
Final Thought: Gatsby's tragedy isn't just personal - it represents the failure of an entire society's values and promises.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: The Great Gatsby
Most popular content in English Language
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Exploring The Great Gatsby and the Roaring 1920s
morana
@nerdytechgoddess00
The 1920s was a wild decade of jazz music, flappers, and economic boom times - but beneath all the glamour lay some pretty ugly truths about American society. F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsbycaptures this era perfectly, exposing how... Show more
The Roaring Twenties Context
The 1920s was absolutely buzzing with change and energy! After World War I ended, America experienced massive economic growth and cultural transformation. This was the Jazz Age - cities like New York, Chicago, and Paris became centres of art, music, and fashion.
President Warren G. Harding promised to return America to "normalcy," but what actually happened was anything but normal. New technologies like cars, movies, and radios brought modernity to ordinary people's lives. Jazz music exploded in popularity, and the flapper movement revolutionised how women dressed and behaved.
However, this prosperity came with a dark side. American society was still deeply racist, sexist, and hostile to immigrants. The decade's glamour often masked serious inequalities and social problems that would later contribute to the Great Depression.
Key Point: The 1920s economic boom created new opportunities for some, but also deepened class divisions and social tensions.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Flapper Culture and Hedonistic Living
Young women in the 1920s completely transformed traditional gender roles through the flapper movement. They cut their hair short, wore shorter skirts, drank alcohol, and partied like never before - basically everything that would have shocked their mothers' generation.
In The Great Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan perfectly represents this flapper lifestyle. She spends her days lounging around wondering "What'll we do with ourselves this afternoon... and the next thirty years?" This shows how wealthy flappers lived purely for pleasure with no real purpose or direction.
The novel also highlights how the wealthy completely ignored Prohibition (the ban on alcohol from 1920). They threw lavish parties with plenty of booze because they knew their money would protect them from consequences. When Daisy kills Myrtle Wilson in a car accident, she simply flees the state with her husband, leaving Gatsby to take the blame.
Remember: The upper classes in the 1920s lived by the motto "live for today" - but their reckless behaviour often destroyed other people's lives.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Class Barriers and Social Inequality
Here's the harsh reality the novel exposes: no matter how much money you earned, you couldn't buy your way into the upper class if you weren't born there. Jay Gatsby accumulates massive wealth through questionable means, but Tom Buchanan still dismisses him as "Mr nobody from nowhere."
Tom constantly mocks Gatsby's possessions - calling his expensive Rolls Royce a "circus wagon" and his famous parties "menageries." These insults aren't really about the quality of Gatsby's things; they're about protecting class boundaries. Tom knows that if people like Gatsby can join the elite, his own inherited privilege becomes meaningless.
The novel shows how classism was so embedded in 1920s society that people didn't even recognise it as a problem. Working-class characters like George Wilson work incredibly hard but never get ahead, whilst wealthy characters like Tom and Daisy destroy lives without facing any consequences.
Think About It: Fitzgerald suggests that the American class system was actually more rigid than many people realised - hard work alone wasn't enough to change your social position.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Death of the American Dream
The Great Gatsby delivers a brutal critique of the American Dream - the idea that anyone can achieve success through hard work and determination. The novel shows this belief as tragically naive and ultimately destructive.
George Wilson represents the working class's faith in this dream. Even when he's sick and struggling, he keeps working and planning to "go west" for a fresh start. His determination is admirable but heartbreaking because readers can see it's hopeless.
Gatsby's death symbolises the death of the American Dream itself. Despite his enormous effort and wealth, he fails to win Daisy and dies alone in his pool. His story suggests that the dream was always an illusion designed to keep people working whilst the wealthy maintained their power.
The novel's final message is deeply pessimistic about 1920s America. Through characters from different social classes, Fitzgerald shows how the era's dominant ideologies - the American Dream, hedonism, and rigid class systems - ultimately harmed society rather than improving it.
Final Thought: Gatsby's tragedy isn't just personal - it represents the failure of an entire society's values and promises.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
5
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Mock Exam
Quiz
Flashcards
Essay
Similar content
The Handmaid's Tale Themes
Explore the key themes of 'The Handmaid's Tale' through a detailed section-by-section analysis. This resource covers critical concepts such as gender roles, theocracy, rebellion, and control within the dystopian society of Gilead. Ideal for students seeking to understand the intricate themes and their implications in the narrative.
English Language12
Parisian Perspectives: Knisley vs. Lennon
Explore the contrasting portrayals of Paris in 'French Milk' and 'Foreign Correspondent'. This A* graded essay analyzes how Knisley emphasizes the bustling tourist experience while Lennon focuses on personal emotions and cultural insights. Ideal for students studying travel memoirs and literary analysis.
English Language12
Contrasting Views of Paris
Explore the contrasting perspectives of Paris in this A-grade essay comparing the persuasive Eurostar advert 'Stories are Waiting' with Ernest Hemingway's critical piece 'American Bohemians in Paris'. This analysis delves into themes of tourism, representation, and the use of humor in both texts, providing insights into how each text shapes the reader's perception of the city. Ideal for students studying English literature and language analysis.
English Language12
Sheila Birling Insights
Explore key insights and impactful quotes from Sheila Birling in J.B. Priestley's 'An Inspector Calls'. This summary highlights her character development, social awareness, and emotional journey throughout the play, emphasizing themes of responsibility and change. Ideal for students studying character analysis and thematic elements.
English Language10
Gatsby Character Insights
Explore detailed profiles of key characters from 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, including significant quotes and analysis. This resource provides an in-depth look at the motivations, backgrounds, and relationships of characters like Jay Gatsby, Daisy Buchanan, and Tom Buchanan, enhancing your understanding of the novel's themes and social commentary.
English Language12
Dracula Chapter 8 Analysis
Explore a comprehensive analysis of Chapter 8 from Bram Stoker's 'Dracula'. This PDF includes in-depth quote breakdowns, key themes such as the tension between good and evil, the role of women, and the significance of blood in the narrative. Ideal for A-Level English Literature students studying gothic fiction.
English Language12
Most popular content: The Great Gatsby
Most popular content in English Language
Most popular content
English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user