The Great Gatsby | The Jazz Age

This essay looks at the music of “The Jazz Age” revolution taking place in American Arts in the 1920s; Fitzgerald's exposure to the music of his time fuels not only Gatsby's parties but also the general feel of The Great Gatsby.

The Great Gatsby’s most obvious reference to “The Jazz Age” revolution taking place in American Arts in the 1920s occurs in the party scene in chapter 3:

“Ladies and gentlemen,” [the orchestra leader] cried. “At the request of Mr. Gatsby we are going to play for you Mr. Vladimir Tostoff’s latest work … Vladimir Tostoff’s Jazz History of the World.” (Fitzgerald 49)

Gatsby’s request for a work that defies tradition, and certainly defeats the purpose of having a full symphony-sized orchestra on the...

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