Present-day's teenagers are confronted with two major points of criticism concerning their current "lifestyle". The first would be excessive partying with alcohol and other types of drugs whereas the other point concerns the materialism of today's youth. An open minded historian of the twentieth century might be very familiar with that kind of behaviour because it marvellously reflects the famous "Jazz Age" in its most outstanding social aspects.
These and other social characteristics of the "Roaring Twenties" are all shown in "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald. In the following term paper I want to describe and compare both the authenticity and the before mentioned social side of the "Jazz Age" in the original novel as well as in the two film adaptations by Jack Clayton and Baz Luhrmann.
Table of Contents
I. Reincarnation of the Roaring Twenties in today's society
II. "The Great Gatsby" – novel and film adaptations
2.1 Francis Scott Fitzgerald's novel
2.2 Jack Clayton's film adaptation
2.3 Baz Luhrmann's film adaptation
III. The Historical Background
3.1 Manipulation of the World Series 1919
3.2 Prohibiton of alcohol in the 1920s
3.3 The "Jazz Age" in general
IV. Social Criticism
4.1 The role of women
4.2 Materialism
4.3 The American Dream
V. Commentary: The American Dream today
VI. The end of the Roaring Twenties
VII. Bibliography
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper explores the enduring cultural relevance of the "Roaring Twenties" by comparing F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby" with its two major film adaptations, focusing on how these works depict the era's social dynamics and the evolution of the "American Dream."
- Authenticity of the Jazz Age in literature and film.
- Social criticism regarding feminism, class structures, and materialism.
- Historical influences, including the 1919 Black Sox Scandal and Prohibition.
- Modern-day interpretations of the American Dream versus the original literary intent.
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Manipulation of the World Series 1919
F. Scott Fitzgerald was already known before the publication of "The Great Gatsby" for being a chronicler of the 1920s. His book "This Side of Paradise" is also known for its historical authenticity and the accurate picture it delivers of the "Jazz-Age-Culture"11. So, in both books several important events of the "Roaring Twenties" are used and included in the plotline. However, one of the most delicate examples in "The Great Gatsby" is the controversial Baseball World Series of 1919.
The "Black Sox Scandal" is without a doubt the most significant manipualtion in the early history of organized sports. The conspiracy is called "Black Sox Scandal" because several players of the Chicago White Sox were payed to lose against the Cincinnati Reds. As the manipulation got public, reporters coined the name because of the "[...] dark and corrupt nature[..]"12 of the conspiracy. Leading to the first implementation of a "Commissioner of Baseball", the scandal is a meaningful step towards modern sports organisation.
In the novel, the "Black Sox Scandal" is introduced as one of the many criminal activities in which Gatsby was somehow involved to get wealthy. Another link between the book and the real event is the minor character Meyer Wolfshiem who is blamed to be the mastermind behind the conspiracy. According to that, Meyer's real life counterpart would be the popular Jewish gangster Arnold Rothstein13. Not only the Jewish name is evidence for this connection even F. Scott Fitzgerald's description of Meyer in the novel is appropriate for the 1920s criminal:
"A small, flat nosed Jew raised his large head and regarded me with tow fine growths of hair which luxuriated in either nostril. After a moment I discover his tiny eyes in the half darkness."14
Summary of Chapters
I. Reincarnation of the Roaring Twenties in today's society: Introduces the parallels between the 1920s and contemporary society, specifically regarding lifestyle criticism and materialism.
II. "The Great Gatsby" – novel and film adaptations: Provides an overview of the original novel's history and compares the narrative focus of the 1974 and 2013 film adaptations.
III. The Historical Background: Examines real-world events of the 1920s, such as the Black Sox Scandal, Prohibition, and the drug culture, as they appear in the source materials.
IV. Social Criticism: Analyzes the depiction of gender roles, the influence of materialism, and the critique of the American Dream within the literary and cinematic versions.
V. Commentary: The American Dream today: Discusses how modern media has shifted the American Dream towards a pursuit of fame, as reflected in Luhrmann's film.
VI. The end of the Roaring Twenties: Connects the historical collapse of the 1920s era with the Great Depression.
VII. Bibliography: Lists the sources and references used for the research paper.
Keywords
The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Roaring Twenties, Jazz Age, American Dream, Materialism, Prohibition, Black Sox Scandal, Film Adaptation, Feminism, 1920s, Literature, Social Criticism, Modern Culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this research paper?
The paper examines the representation of the "Roaring Twenties" in F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel "The Great Gatsby" and its film adaptations, comparing historical reality with artistic portrayal.
Which thematic fields are at the center of this work?
The main themes include class structure, gender dynamics, materialism, the impact of historical events like the Black Sox Scandal, and the evolution of the American Dream.
What is the primary objective of the study?
The goal is to describe and compare the authenticity and social criticism inherent in the original novel alongside the 1974 and 2013 film adaptations.
Which scientific methodology is applied here?
The author uses a comparative literary and media analysis, examining historical context and character development across different versions of the story.
What specific topics are discussed in the main body?
The body covers historical background, social criticism, character portrayals (like Jordan Baker), and the directorial approaches of Jack Clayton and Baz Luhrmann.
What are the primary keywords associated with this research?
Key terms include The Great Gatsby, Jazz Age, American Dream, Materialism, Prohibition, and social criticism.
How does the author interpret Baz Luhrmann's portrayal of Gatsby's parties?
The author suggests that Luhrmann intended to critique modern society by exaggerating the parties to reflect contemporary consumerism rather than strict historical accuracy.
What role do the "nerve pills" play in the comparison?
The author highlights these as an anachronistic element in the 2013 movie, intended to bridge the gap between 1920s culture and modern perceptions of drug use.
What is the conclusion regarding the American Dream?
The paper concludes that while the novel portrays the American Dream as blocked by class systems, modern adaptations focus on the additional pressure of achieving public fame.
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- Aaron Richter (Autor:in), 2013, The Great Gatsby. A versatile image of the Roaring Twenties, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/270794
