Time of economic prosperity, excess, and fun

Prohibition- 18th amendment prohibited the sale and manufacturing of alcohol

Bootlegger- alcohol smuggler

Flapper- young woman of the 20's
Typically had short hair, wore makeup, drank and smoke, and was sexually promiscuous

Opportunity for prosperity and success through hard work

Ideals included freedom, equality, happiness, and hope

Everyone has chance to achieve this dream
Non exclusive

Stems from ideas of "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" and "all men are created equal"

"New money" or "new rich"

Describes wealthy people who gained their wealth on their own

Looked down upon by members of the "old money", ones who inherited their wealth

Negative connotation
Thought to have been uncultured and unsophisticated

West Egg vs East Egg
Shows difference between two classes

Born in Minnesota to an upper-middle class family

Lived in New York until his father lost his job
Went back to Minnesota

Always wanted to do better
Knew he could have more than he did

Went to Princeton university
Spent most of his time on literature and did not do most of his school work

Dropped out of University to join army

Married Zelda Sayre

Spent a lot of him in Europe with American expatriates

Acquired wealth and fame from success of The Side if Paradise and The Vegetable (Gatsby did not become popular until after his death)

Suffered from alcoholism meanwhile Zelda struggles with mental illness

Attempt to capture the Jazz Age

Fitzgerald wanted to write something "intricate and beautiful"

Didn't receive much attention until years after Fitzgerald's death

Themes include
Expectation vs Reality
Society
Class
The American Dream
Becoming vs Being
Ambition