The 1920's was a time of glitz, glamour, and no regrets. The economy grew, allowing people to live extravagant lives while throwing away their past. The lost generation, otherwise known as a society who seemed stripped of humanity. This was a generation that came of age during and developed post World War I, humanity barely survived and wandered in confusion to who they were. This society consisted of people who were exchanging original traditional values for modern values. These people didn't care for their future nor what belonged in it, being reckless and inconsiderate. F. Scott Fitzgerald revealed the negativity of this time period, opening viewers eyes to adapt to the lifestyle of society that wasn't so glamorous. In The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby, Myrtle Wilson, and Tom Buchanan are all symbols of people in the lost generation in America during the early 1920's.
Jay Gatsby was a man acknowledged for his riches, over the top parties, and mysterious yet intriguing past. Originally, Jay Gatsby was born James Gatz, a soldier during World War I. Post war, Gatsby dedicated his time attempting to climb the social ladder by creating a fortune for himself. Fortunately, the early 1920's were blooming with opportunities to make easy money, gambling, drugs, and alcohol which helped millions of Americans wishing to risk it all to live the American Dream. (History Lecture Notes) Gatsby's intentions to build this fortune were entirely pure and passive. Daisy Buchanan, Gatsby's lost love, the one that vanished while he was at war led to himself creating a surreal image all so he could be accepted into society like she was. Not such a coincidence, three years post war and money was made, Gatsby had bought a home right across the bay from Daisy on West Egg. "He had waited 5 years-- so he could 'come over' some afternoon to a strangers garden." (Fitzgerald 63) Three years of money and 5 years of waiting, all so he could welcome Daisy back into his life like he had planned all along.
