Gatsby

Follow the directions given for each section. Answer thoroughly in complete sentences on your own paper. Do not "cut and paste" -- rephrase the answers in your own words.

F. Scott Fitzgerald

I. Skim the biography of F. Scott Fitzgerald. List the major influences on his life and writing.
World War I.

After the war ended, the economy skyrocketed, making it possible for people to spend more time and money on leisure activities. After reviewing the website in this section, list three major innovations that came out of the WWI experience.

II. After the War:
List the dominant postwar American attitudes and the major movements of the 1920's. Pay close attention to the attitudes of the "Lost Generation" and the "Prosperity & Consumerism" movement.

III. 19th Amendment

What right did women gain from the passage of the 19th Amendment?

IV. The Roaring Twenties

List three major events that occurred in 1922 (the year in which the novel is set).

V. 18th Amendment

Wikipedia: Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution
What exactly does the amendement abolish? What was the result?

VI. Prohibition

What is a Speakeasy? Based on information you have already collected from previous questions, why do you think Speakeasies popped up across the country?
Wikipedia: Speakeasy
Speakeasy photos

VII. Organized Crime and Arnold Rothstein
Wikipedia: What's in a name?: List three elements of Rothstein's character that interest you. Explain.

VIII. Flappers

Read the article about "Flapper Jane." According to the author, what are the essential elements of being a true flapper?

After reading the article, look at the selected photos of Louise Brooks. Does she fit the "Flapper" profile as proposed by the author of "Flapper Jane"? Why or why not?
Read Dorothy Parker's poem "The Flapper." Do you think Ms. Parker approves or disapproves of Flappers? Explain.

IX. Automobiles
Why were cars considered "the most important catalyst for social change in the 1920's"?
The Rise of Automobiles
Photos of 1920's era automobiles.
Gatsby Coachworks: Reproductions of 1920's era automobiles. The white and gold car is similar to what Jay Gatsby would have driven.

X. Read some 1920's slang terms.
List 5 slang words or phrases and definitions from this site and write them down in your notes.
Why did you choose these terms?

XI. Drawing Conclusions
Based on the information you have collected from this website, what do you think the plot and setting of The Great Gatsby will include? What kinds of characters do you expect to encounter in the novel?

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