The Jazz Age

The 'Jazz Age' is a movement in the 1920's when the American economy was flourishing. I have chosen this theme for the blog as the era is widely explored in the Great Gatsby through the eyes of narrator Nick Carraway. The movement began at the beginning of the First World War and its rise is attributed to the introduction of mainstream radio. The radio allowed people to listen to Jazz music in the comfort of their own home and although Jazz is accredited to African Americans it was widely popular to white middle and upper class America. The emergence of Jazz is down to the extravegence and prosperity experienced during the 'plenty twenties' where parts of American society indulged and the music was seen as a way to rebel against traditional American values. Prohibition also attributed to this rebellious nature and jazz and alcohol helped create an underground movement of revelry. In the book Nick experiences the revelry first hand at Gatsby's various parties and instead of portraying the lifestyle positively, he is quite negative and describes it as being enjoyed by selfish people who had poor morals. Women who participated in this lifestyle were known as 'flappers' due to their drinking and smoking as well as their short skirts. Daisy and Jordan as well as a number of guest at Gatsby's parties are flappers as they are described as not conforming to normal social standards.