Robbie+Greenberg+and+Stephanie+Gerber+Wikispace

The Jazz Age is the time period that followed World War I and ended by the beginning of the Great Depression. This time period got its name from the popular music of the time. Many of new values and ideas were introduced during the Jazz Age. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s book **__The Great Gatsby__** is a great representation of what life was like. It shows the corruption after the war and the emphasis of the individual. Gatsby throws extravagent parties filled with loud music, overdosing on alcohol, and excessive decorations. Daisy represents the women of the time, she is not afraid to speak her mind and will not be controlled by any man. Fitzsgerald's intentions were to not only show the glories of the 1920's but also the harsh lifestyle that came with it.
 * __ The Great Gatsby __**** by F. Scott Fitzgerald **
 * The Jazz Age: **

media type="youtube" key="3svvCj4yhYc" height="344" width="425"

Jazz was a very different kind of music than anyone had ever heard before. It originated from the African – American community. New instruments were introduced such as the saxophone which helped jazz make offbeat rhythms and strange melodies. It was blamed for the newfound drunkenness and deafness in unwed women. These women created a "new breed" called the flappers. Flappers represented everything that women were not supposed to do such as wearing excessive makeup, drinking, smoking, listening to jazz, sex, and driving automobiles.



Most people believe the American Dream is to be wealthy and successful. Gatsby is the representative of the American Dream because he was able to go from rags to riches and have everything that anyone could ever dream of. Most people want to end up wealthy. At the beginning of the book Gatsby’s dream is praised, but by the end once the truth about his past comes out the reader realizes he didn’t always have what he has now. Also throughout the book Gatsby dream changes a little because of certain events that effect him. For example before Gatsby leaves for war he wants to be rich and famous like his mentor, but when he returns his only dream is to get Daisy Buchanan back. The American Dream is constantly changing; however, the general idea of what is wanted is the same. Back in the 1920’s people wanted the same things, but less of it compared to today where we still want success and wealth but more of it.
 * The American Dream: **

Although Nick Carraway narrates the book **__The Great Gatsby__** he is an onlooker who has no more information than the reader does. He is finding out important facts about the other characters at the same rate the reader is. Nick’s father told him, “Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had." This is what makes Nick the perfect narrator for this story. He takes his fathers advice, and does not judge anyone until he really knows them. For example, when he first meets Gatsby, he does not take in to account all of the rumors he hears. Throughout the book Nick hears rumors about how Gatsby has killed a man, or how he probably never attended oxford, however he refuses to believe any of it until he has heard it from Gatsby himself.
 * Nick Carraway’s Role: **


 * __Works Cited__**

Benjamin, Cody. "Franchise Tags for DEs Boost Significantly in Payment Total for 2010." //Bleed Green//. Web. 17 Mar. 2010. []. Fitzgerald, F. Scott, and Matthew J. Bruccoli. //The Great Gatsby//. New York: Scribner, 1996. Print. "Flappers - The Roaring Twenties." //You Tube//. 8 May 2007. Web. 17 Mar. 2010. []. "Jazz Age." //Wikipedia//. 17 Mar. 2010. Web. 17 Mar. 2010. . "Music." //The Great Gatsby//. Web. 17 Mar. 2010. [].