is an intimate gathering of people in high society. Myrtle, Tom's mistress, although very poor, is pretentious and puts on an air of being rich and important when she is with Tom. “The intense vitality that had been so remarkable in the garage was converted into impressive hauteur” (Fitzgerald, 35). Myrtle freely spends money and is very materialistic during her outings with Tom. This lavish lifestyle plagued many during the 1920’s and eventually led to the overuse of credit; “75 percent of all household goods were bought on credit during the 1920’s” (1920’s). This want of money is what led to the stock market crash in 1929, as companies were lying to make themselves look better, and citizens were investing money they didn’t have in hope of making a profit. Myrtle, as well as most of Americans during this time period, spent money she didn’t have in order to keep up an appearance of wealth and importance. One way people during the 1920’s displayed their wealth was by purchasing alcohol.
Despite the Prohibition, alcohol is abundant and there is an excess of drinking in both party atmospheres; people become drunk, disoriented, more violent, and “The bottle of whiskey--a second one--was now in constant demand by all present” (Fitzgerald, 39). Both parties end with a violent scene, “Tom Buchanan broke [Myrtle’s] nose with his open hand” (Fitzgerald, 41), and the car accident at the end of chapter three.These alcohol-induced outbursts demonstrates the behavior that may be found in speak easies, or during liquor battles between gangs (1920’s). The 18th amendment, which was supposed to prohibit the transportation, sale, and consumption of alcohol, was ignored, and with it, many people’s sense of moral values and concern for …show more content…
safety.
Many people arrive at Gatsby’s party driving cars, technology that was new for the 1920’s era. After World War I and the Industrial Revolution, new war technology, as well as developments in technology used in everyday life, left people terrified and questioning humanity (Hutchins). Although people were frightened, this technology brought people into the faster-paced life of the city. Electricity was in almost every home and automobiles “would give America a sense of autonomy and freedom” (1920’s). People flocked to the cities, because that’s where the excitement was. Tom rented an apartment in the city for his mistress, and once there the two act like completely different people. By placing Tom and Myrtle’s life together in the city, Fitzgerald shows that, especially in urban regions, moral values and traditional views are exchanged for fast and fun times.
The loosening of morals is the center of the era’s laid back and lavish lifestyle.
In a short time period, hair and dresses became shorter, and more skin was being shown by women (1920’s). In chapter three, Gatsby hosts a large and fancy party, and “By midnight the hilarity had increased” (Fitzgerald, 51). People relax and enjoy themselves throughout the night, dancing, drinking, and some making a scene. “Laughter is easier, minute by minute, spilled with prodigality, tipped out at a cheerful word” Fitzgerald, 44). The actions of the characters at Gatsby’s party show that the world of the novel isn’t founded on solid morals or attitudes. People do and say what they please, as well as begin to disregard traditional
views.