A tool designed to estimate the present-day value of sums mentioned in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby,” considering the effects of inflation since the 1920s, provides a valuable perspective on the characters’ wealth and spending habits. For example, the cost of Gatsby’s lavish parties or the price of his mansion can be translated into modern equivalents, offering a more concrete understanding of the opulence portrayed in the novel.
Calculating the real value of money from a past era, particularly one as romanticized as the Jazz Age, bridges the gap between historical fiction and contemporary understanding. This allows readers to grasp the true significance of financial details within the narrative, enriching their interpretation of character motivations and social dynamics. Furthermore, it provides an accessible entry point for discussions about economic changes over time and the impact of inflation on purchasing power.
