Abstract This paper examines how alcohol has a major role in "The Great Gatsby," just as it did in the era of the 1920s in which the novel is set. It looks at how the characters in the novel drink heavily and see nothing wrong with breaking the law, even though they hold it against those who supply them, namely, men like Gatsby himself, who at one time was a bootlegger. It shows how the illegality of the upper crust is apparent in the parties among the West Eggers, while men like Gatsby in East Egg are seen as necessary, but sordid.
From the Paper "The character of Jay Gatsby serves as a representation of the falseness of the society in which he lives and to which he aspires. Gatsby fails to recognize the falseness of the west Egg world as he wants to be part of it, but it is also true that at the same time he is alienated from that society. He is a rather enigmatic character, especially as perceived by other characters in the novel. His character is illuminated by his interactions with other characters who represent different aspects of society."
Abstract This paper presents a positive review of Wexler's book, "Fire in a Canebrake". The paper begins with a brief summary of the book, and then follows with a look at how Wexler's style makes the book interesting and captivating to the reader. The paper also points out that, through her book, Wexler reveals a great deal about race in America, both today and in the past.
From the Paper "In Fire in a Canebrake: The Last Mass Lynching in America, Laura Wexler paints a disturbing and convincing portrait of race in America. Her detached point of view allows the reader to become personally involved in the story, and creates a powerful feeling of suspense. Further, Wexler's thorough analysis of the search for the killers is equally involving. Ultimately, Fire in a Canebrake reveals a great deal about the pervasiveness of racial tension and inequalities in America."
Abstract "The Great Gatsby" offers a wide range of themes: the Lost Generation, The American Dream, the decline of the west, among others. The paper shows, however, that the novel is also undeniably based on the lives of F. Scott Fitzgerald, his wife Zelda, and other people that Fitzgerald knew. The paper questions whether Daisy Buchanan is a fictionalized version of Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald.
From the Paper "By the time Scott was thirty, he was an alcoholic, barely able even to write when sober; and by the time Zelda was thirty, four years later, she had been institutionalized for madness, later diagnosed as schizophrenic. Although beyond the ken of the author in France, toiling away on his novel, the portent of alcoholism, madness, and promiscuity may have figured in his creative depiction of his once and future life."
Tags: Tom, Buchanan, bootlegger, Nick, Carraway, Long, Island
