Local Color

Local Color - a term applied to fiction or poetry which tends to place special emphasis on a particular setting including its customs, clothing, dialect, and landscape.
"Nowadays people begin by sneering at family life and family institutions, and next they'll throw everything overboard and have intermarriage between black and white." pg (130)

Although this quote is very opinionated, it give a great deal of insight. Not only does this quote reflect the personal lives of the main characters, but it also describes the "local color" or social customs of the times. The Great Gatsby takes place in America in the 1920's. Although I was not around for the 1920's, I feel that I have a bit of insight on the typical relationship during this time. Throughout the novel, there is not a single relationship described that does not have a lot of adultery or issues. It seems that life in these times was very laid back. People, such as Tom and Daisy, frequently moved from place to place. Money was often squandered on unimportant things such as fancy homes or grand parties. People lived more for the now. This is obvious in the marriages described within our story. Tom, Myrtle, and Daisy are all having affairs. None of these people worry about what will happen in the future. I think this has a major effect on the story as a whole. Many of the actions taken by the characters in the story are actions out of lust and desire with no regards no responsibility. Because Daisy chooses to be with Gatsby, she leaves the city with Gatsby in his car. Because Myrtle wants to be with Tom she attempts to flag down Gatsby's car. And finally, Because Gatsby felt his life was not worth living without Daisy, he was willing to take the blame for hitting Mrs. Wilson. Every outcome was the result of people acting out of forbidden love.