How important is Prohibition to “The Great Gatsby”?
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece “The Great Gatsby” is a famous novel read by almost every American. The book’s setting is in the 1920’s and during that time period, prohibition played a major part in the society. In fact, prohibition caused the richness and greatness of Jay Gatsby, the novel’s main character. A lot of money is made by producing and selling illegal liquor and Jay Gatsby was one of those so called bootleggers.
In the 1920’s the 18th Amendment caused the prohibition of manufacturing, selling and transporting intoxicating-liquors. Alcohol in the United States was not longer legal. However, this did not stop most people from not consuming any alcohol. The following about banning liquor is said by “Tuggleb”; “This, as is the case even today with illegal industries, led to a black market and, consequently, a radical increase of citizens’ wealth who were willing to take advantage of this spiked demand.” (College of
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As said by Tuggleb, the setting of “The Great Gatsby” is significant: “The historical context of Fitzgerald’s novel is therefore more than just “important” to its characters and plot; it is essential. Without the increased demand for alcohol and consequent possibility for the bootlegging business, Gatsby would have arguably never been able to obtain his wealth to throw such extravagant parties in order to gain Daisy’s attention and affection.” (College of Charleston). Another explanation for Gatsby’s popularity is the fact that he organises huge parties at his house, he has the money, the alcohol and the location. This makes him the ‘perfect’ example of the American Dream, although in the end it turns out to be not perfect at