Prohibition is briefly mentioned in parts of the book. Prohibition was a time where the manufacturing and sale of alcohol was prohibited. While it was illegal, alcohol was still as common in 1920s New York City as, say, marijuana is today. Speak-easies were places where people could drink freely while staying out of the way of the law, and were incredibly common in New York City in the 1920's (thousands were opened). In Gatsby's case, some propose that Gatsby, who is known for throwing insane parties, is making/selling/transporting alcohol.
The way women are treated in New York City at this time is quite different from how they are treated now. In one instance, a woman's nose was broken by a man because she was taunting him, which did not seem to affect the characters at all (they carried on with their usual business).
Culture is quite different in New York City in the 1920's opposed to nowadays, obviously, but clearly portrayed in The Great Gatsby. In one scene, men are selling puppies on the side of the street for mere dollars, something that would be shut down immediately by PETA or animal protective services nowadays. The leniancy of this place and time is much different than any modern time we've ever experienced.
In truth, Gatsby is a metaphor for the American Dream, with Gatsby's conclusive death closely portraying the death of the true Dream.
Culture is quite different in New York City in the 1920's opposed to nowadays, obviously, but clearly portrayed in The Great Gatsby. In one scene, men are selling puppies on the side of the street for mere dollars, something that would be shut down immediately by PETA or animal protective services nowadays. The leniancy of this place and time is much different than any modern time we've ever experienced.
In truth, Gatsby is a metaphor for the American Dream, with Gatsby's conclusive death closely portraying the death of the true Dream.
