Great Gatsby American Culture

“Change is the only constant, whether it's in music, culture, dance or fashion” (Sonu Nigam). Nigam states that no aspect of human society can avoid evolution. Change is always happening, but some changes may seem more drastic than others. The American society sees and example of this cultural revolution as a result of the first World War. New technology and ways of living were introduced by a fresh generation, as old ways of living were left in the past.
F. Scott Fitzgerald is known to be one of the most influential authors to come out of the early 1900s. He is most well known for his novel The Great Gatsby, which is considered to be an American classic to this day. Fitzgerald chronicles the effects of the beginning of the twentieth
Scott Fitzgerald follows the main character, Amory Blaine, as he matures during the early twentieth century. Through Amory’s experiences, the novel explores the cultural ideals of the time period. The end of World War I resulted in pioneers who created new ideas and paved the way for the future American society that people know today. During a conversation, Amory and his friends mention several different authors that were popular during the early 1900s. Amory was recommended several books, which he decides to pick up and read, “So he found “Dorian Gray” and “the Mystic and Somber Dolores” and “the Belle Dame sans Merci”; for a month he was keen on naught else” (Fitzgerald 49). Fitzgerald uses the allusions to show what type of people were seen as important cultural figures during society. The people and works of literature of the time period represent ideals that were valued by the generations that read them. With the new novels that were written, new ideas were introduced as well. One prominent example is the idea of pacifism, which is often associated with times of war. When Amory and his friend, Burne, discussed their views and personal beliefs, Burne revealed that was a pacifist. Amory warned him of possible ridicule, as pacifism was an unpopular opinion held by Americans at the time (136). Pacifists were often looked down upon and seen as dangerous radicals, “With the end of World War I came the deep-seated fears of political radicalism...” (Musser). Amory wanted to protect his friend from any criticism he might have received. While World War I introduced new innovators and ideas, not all of them were as widely accepted as some would assume. Still, the way that people reacted to these new concepts made the United States the country that it