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The Great Gatsby unfolds against the backdrop of the 1920s, a period synonymous with the gangster era in America. Organized crime, particularly the illicit trade of bootlegged alcohol during the Prohibition era, plays a central role in the narrative. The Prohibition, enforced by the Eighteenth Amendment to the Constitution in 1920 and later repealed by the Twenty-First Amendment in 1933, created a fertile ground for individuals seeking wealth through unconventional means. Notably, Jay Gatsby, the protagonist of the novel, emerges as a symbol of the era, embodying the complexities of ambition, desire, and the consequences of pursuing the American Dream.
At the heart of The Great Gatsby is the enigmatic figure of Jay Gatsby himself.
Initially shrouded in mystery, Gatsby becomes infamous for hosting extravagant parties at his opulent mansion. The rumors circulating among the guests, speculating on his background and actions, add an air of suspense to the narrative. Whispers of Gatsby's involvement in criminal activities, such as rumors about him having "once killed a man," underscore the societal fascination with the shadowy world of organized crime during the 1920s.
Gatsby's pursuit of wealth and power is relentless, driven by an inner desire to overcome his humble origins.
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The allure of prosperity pushes him to seize every opportunity, leading him into the realm of organized crime. His pivotal encounter with Meyer Wolfsheim, a character deeply entrenched in the world of bootlegging, marks a turning point in Gatsby's life. Seeking employment at Winebrenner's Poolroom, Gatsby's association with Wolfsheim propels him into the intricate world of illegal activities, setting the stage for his involvement in the illicit trade of alcohol.
Meyer Wolfsheim becomes not only Gatsby's business partner but also a close friend, solidifying their connection beyond the realm of mere transactions.
Gatsby's initiation into the world of bootlegging is not merely a means to an end; it is a calculated step towards acquiring the wealth and influence he craves. His involvement in Wolfsheim's ventures, including operations in Albany and Chicago, demonstrates the extent to which Gatsby is willing to go to amass his fortune.
However, the driving force behind Gatsby's pursuit of wealth is his unrequited love for Daisy Buchanan. Returning from World War I with the promise of reuniting with Daisy, Gatsby discovers that she has married Tom Buchanan. The stark contrast between Gatsby's newfound wealth and Tom's established social standing becomes a point of contention. During a tense confrontation at the Plaza Hotel, Tom exposes Gatsby's association with Wolfsheim and his involvement in the illegal distribution of grain alcohol through side-street drug stores. This revelation tarnishes Gatsby's image in the eyes of Daisy and ultimately leads to his tragic downfall.
Tom Buchanan's revelation at the Plaza Hotel serves as a turning point in Gatsby's pursuit of the American Dream. The exposure of his illicit activities not only jeopardizes his social standing but also shatters his dream of rekindling his romance with Daisy. Tom's accusations brand Gatsby as a bootlegger, unveiling the dishonesty underlying his lucrative enterprise. Daisy, confronted with the reality of Gatsby's illicit pursuits, distances herself from him, realizing that their love was built on a foundation of deception.
In the aftermath of this revelation, Gatsby's chances of attaining his ultimate goal—reuniting with Daisy—are irreversibly diminished. The tragic irony lies in the fact that the pursuit of wealth, which initially seemed like a means to an end, becomes the very catalyst for Gatsby's downfall. The juxtaposition of Gatsby's ill-fated love and his involvement in organized crime highlights the moral complexities of the 1920s and the profound impact of societal norms on individual aspirations.
The Great Gatsby intricately weaves together the themes of wealth, love, and societal expectations against the backdrop of the Roaring Twenties. Jay Gatsby's character serves as a poignant symbol of the era, encapsulating the relentless pursuit of the American Dream, tainted by the allure of wealth and the consequences of crossing moral boundaries. The Prohibition era, with its clandestine activities and societal transformations, provides a rich tapestry for exploring the complexities of human ambition and the tragic consequences of sacrificing integrity for the promise of prosperity.
The Enigmatic Pursuit of Wealth in The Great Gatsby. (2021, Jan 25). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/the-great-gatsby-prohibition-essay
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