Handout Analysis

Harlem in the Jazz Age:

In the 1910's many African Americans began moving to more northern states. Despite prejudice against them, they brought new genres and styles of music to a central role in popular culture. Some, however would move to Europe to perform for a more tolerant audience,Many of these artists are still widely known, such as jazz musician Louis Armstrong or singer Ella Fitzgerald. This music gave white people a more in depth view into the world of a black person and helped create sympathy and understanding.

Prohibition:

Prohibition was a largely unsuccessful attempt to lower crime rates and alcoholism in the 1920s-1930's. Many children grew up reading a textbook in school, known as the "Mcguffy Readers" and was strongly anti-alcohol abuse which in part lead to negative connotations on the subject. Prohibition actually lead to an increase in crime and trafficking and brought the famous criminal Al Capone to power. It eventually ended in 1933 due to a need for the money from the taxation of the product and growing opposition.

Editorial Observer; Jay Gatsby, Dreamer, Criminal, Jazz Age Rouge, Is a Man for Our Times:

Adam Cohen's tone seams to be a strong belief in perseverance. He admires Jay Gatsby's ability to claw his was out of poverty, even if his means of doing so and reasons may not be the best. He calls him a "cynical idealist", two seemingly contradictory words but they make sense in context. He wants the American dream, but realizes he will have to do unscrupulous things to make it. Gatsby is always striving for what he can not have no matter what the cost. 

Scott Fitzgerald Looks Into Middle Age:

I learned more about the setting about The Great Gatsby then i had previously known. Rather in the peak of the age of the flapper, it was up being at the end. While it was dwindling away and the country was growing older, wiser, and more wary of the reckless abandon in the previous years. The characters in this book seem to be like children themselves. Drawn to anything new and exciting and unable to look past the present moment.