The Great Gatsby Lost Generation Analysis
The Lost Generation in the Roaring Twenties
The process of change can often be difficult and tumultuous. This is particularly true of monumental changes in generational trends. In looking at the young people of the 1920 's, for example, we see a “lost” generation, which, despite breaking free from the strict moral codes of previous generations, had yet to find their own course to fulfillment and happiness. Responding to the hypocrisy of their parents, and greatly assisted by the invention of the automobile, the young people of the 20’s sought good times through the pursuit of physical beauty, sex, and material wealth. Although these pursuits provided an element of freedom that had not existed previously, they ultimately led to disillusionment and, in some cases, destruction. This aspect of the 20’s experience is expressed very well in the film The Great Gatsby, based on the book of the same name by F. Scott Fitzgerald. In this film presentation, a strong critique of American society is offered in the sense that the pursuit of wealth and success is not glorified …show more content…
In particular, young women began to realize a level of freedom that had not existed previously. In terms of dress, skirts were raised and outfits became more revealing. Also, young women began to smoke and drink at a rate not seen previously. In terms of morals, sexual contact became more frequent at younger ages. “Petting parties” were extremely popular. This entire process was signified in the popularity of the automobile. On more than one level, the automobile typified the prevailing trends of the 20’s. First of all, the automobile changed the social and sexual landscape by providing a location where young people could spend time together away from home. Secondly, the worship of the automobile represented a new focus on material and wealth and possessions as a post-war
The process of change can often be difficult and tumultuous. This is particularly true of monumental changes in generational trends. In looking at the young people of the 1920 's, for example, we see a “lost” generation, which, despite breaking free from the strict moral codes of previous generations, had yet to find their own course to fulfillment and happiness. Responding to the hypocrisy of their parents, and greatly assisted by the invention of the automobile, the young people of the 20’s sought good times through the pursuit of physical beauty, sex, and material wealth. Although these pursuits provided an element of freedom that had not existed previously, they ultimately led to disillusionment and, in some cases, destruction. This aspect of the 20’s experience is expressed very well in the film The Great Gatsby, based on the book of the same name by F. Scott Fitzgerald. In this film presentation, a strong critique of American society is offered in the sense that the pursuit of wealth and success is not glorified …show more content…
In particular, young women began to realize a level of freedom that had not existed previously. In terms of dress, skirts were raised and outfits became more revealing. Also, young women began to smoke and drink at a rate not seen previously. In terms of morals, sexual contact became more frequent at younger ages. “Petting parties” were extremely popular. This entire process was signified in the popularity of the automobile. On more than one level, the automobile typified the prevailing trends of the 20’s. First of all, the automobile changed the social and sexual landscape by providing a location where young people could spend time together away from home. Secondly, the worship of the automobile represented a new focus on material and wealth and possessions as a post-war