1. The World of Gatsby: The Roaring Twenties

2. The “Roaring Twenties” was one of the most significant decades in the history of the United states because of the changes that came about in society (Sage, “The Roaring Twenties). The Twenties introduced us to the Jazz age, The Harlem Renaissance, flappers, consumerism, radio and movies, the speakeasy, and organized crime. The decade began after World War I and ended with the stock market crash of 1929.

3. The Economy During the 1920s people were buying everything: Cars, radios, appliances, and clothes (Sage, “The Roaring Twenties). Americans also began buying more stocks. Henry Ford’s assembly line made the production of automobiles faster and cheaper. In 1925, one could purchase a Model-T for under $300.

4. Prohibition The 18 th Amendment abolished the sale and manufacture of alcohol. This amendment went into effect in 1920. Although it was illegal, many still found ways to obtain alcohol.

5. Prohibition Al Capone, a gangster from Chicago, was just one of many who was able to make a profit off of alcohol during this period. Gangsters, such as Capone, would sell alcohol in speakeasies (secret bars). The government responded by appointing special agents to stop the illegal sale of alcohol, but because the job paid so little these officials were easily bribed.

6. The Arts African American arts and literature thrived during the Harlem Renaissance. This movement introduced us to authors such as Langston Hughes and Zora Neal Hurston. “The first “talkie,” The Jazz Singer, was produced in 1927” (Sage, “The Roaring Twenties).

7. Flappers Women gained the right to vote in 1920. Women were able to find jobs outside the home. Women began to break away from the old social patterns by wearing make-up, cutting their hair short, changing their dress style, smoking and drinking in public. These women were known as “flappers”.

8. The Great Gatsby F. Scott Fitzgerald The Great Gatsby was first published in 1925. The main events of the novel take place in Long Island and in New York City in the summer of 1922. The story is told from Nick Carraway’s point of view (first person). Nick is reflecting on events that occurred the summer he moved to New York.

9. The Great Gatsby The novel examines the struggle between “old money” and the “Nouveau Riche”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dF9t_x QGks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dF9t_x QGks

10. Old Money Families who have been wealthy for generations. Aristocrats Those of old money know their place therefore, they do not flash their wealth.

11. “Nouveau Riche” Nouveau Riche means “New Money” in French. This term was used to describe those who became wealthy within their generation. The Nouveau Riche tended to spend their money frequently and buy outlandish items.

12. Old vs. New Those who were considered old money felt that the Nouveau Riche lacked the taste and breeding to use their wealth properly. They were seen as inferior The Nouveau Riche were resentful towards the Old Money, who inherited their fortune rather than work for it.

13. Old vs. New Gatsby takes place on Long Island in two villages known as East Egg and West Egg West Egg is where the Nouveau Riche Live East Egg is where the Old Rich reside. Pay attention to which characters reside in these places.

15. The Great Gatsby – Chapter 1 Pages 1-5 Nick is the narrator – Moves to the East in Spring of 1922 from the West – Comes from money, but he is trying to make it on his own – Graduate of New Haven College – Cousin to Daisy Buchanan – Went to college with Tom Buchanan

16. Chapter 1 In Chapter 1, Nick tells the reader that in his younger years his father gave him some advice: “Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.” What does this quote mean? What does it reveal about Nick as a character?