Prohibition in 1920s
The Prohibition era in the United States, which lasted from 1920 to 1933, saw the ban on the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol in the country. However, this did not stop Americans from finding ways to consume alcohol. The Great Gatsby, a novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, set in the Roaring Twenties, provides a vivid depiction of how people's rebellious behavior during this time period, particularly the wealthy elite who often flaunted the law and engaged in illegal activities towards the Prohibition era is reflected in the book.
The novel is set in the summer of 1922 and follows the story of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy and mysterious man who throws lavish parties in his mansion. The parties are attended by people from
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He sees Gatsby's parties as immoral and criticizes the excessive drinking and loose behavior. Tom is a wealthy and powerful man, but he is also unhappy and unfulfilled. His criticism of Gatsby's parties is an expression of his fear of change and a desire to maintain the status quotes.
The Prohibition era also gave rise to organized crime, and The Great Gatsby portrays this aspect through the character of Meyer Wolfsheim. Wolfsheim is a notorious gangster who is believed to have been involved in the fixing of the 1919 World Series. He is also suspected of being involved in the illegal sale of alcohol. Wolfsheim represents the dark side of the Prohibition era, where criminal activity flourished, and violence and corruption were prevalent.
The character of Gatsby himself can be seen as a reflection of the American Dream, a belief that anyone can achieve success and wealth through hard work and determination. Gatsby's mysterious past and the source of his wealth are a mystery to most of his guests, and this adds to his allure. He represents the hope and aspirations of the American people, who were looking for a better life after the hardships of World War