Jazz age

The Jazz Age or "roaring 20's" epitomized the American Dream, or at least the illusion of it. It was an age of consumption and overconsumption. Although not everybody was rich, Fitzgerald concentrates on the young youthful rich who indulged in indulgence. Nick becomes an observer rather than an active participant in the opulence. Nick is repulsed by the shallow superficiality of the people at these roaring cocktail parties. THe people have no other interest other than money and the illusion of happiness rather than happiness itself. The Jazz age, at least for the filthy rich, is a world of consumption and flat characters.