The Great Gatsby Group

Question:

smvalladolid
smvalladolid
Student
High School - 11th Grade

How were the effects of prohibition revealed and developed by way of characters and their appearance, gestures, or actions?

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Posted by smvalladolid on Wednesday May 27, 2009 at 7:21 PM and tagged with the great gatsby, theme.

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  1. scarletpimpernel Teacher
    High School - 12th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    The effects of Prohibition about The Great Gatsby:

    1.  Gatsby most likely would not have made his millions or been able to pursue Daisy if the novel were not set during Prohibition.  Because of the illegality of alcohol in the U.S., Gatsby's "drug store" business (i.e., bootlegging ring) flourished. Prohibition stimulated the growth of the nouveau riche, such as Gatsby and some of his party-goers, and engendered the mingling of old money society with those who would have once been "commoners."

    2.  Appearance, gestures, and actions--the flappers and party girls (such as Jordan) felt freer during Prohibition.  Of course, this relates to women gaining suffrage, but Prohibition also allowed for women to be freer with their dress and actions.  If they didn't feel like following the rigid standards of high society, they could wear short party dresses, cut their hair, and drink (illegally) to establish their "rebellion."

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/great-gatsby/

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    Posted by scarletpimpernel on Thursday May 28, 2009 at 11:58 AM