Pre-reading Gatsby blog notes

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…