The Great War, more common l known as WorId War I. influences F. Scott Fitzgerald’s
novel in many important ways. The War directly causes (Gatsby to lose his lover l) Daisy and is
responsible for his Montenegro medal and significant “Oxford education”.
World War I forced many young American men to leave their family to tight a war in
unfamiliar European territory. Unexpectedly drafted into a conflict that they had little concern
tar, the War inexplicably altered the lives of millions of Americans. Faced with terrible
conditions and unbridled inhumanity many soldiers returned home insane or permanently
shocked from their war experiences. To add insult to injury, the government failed in its duty to
assist veterans economically after they returned from the War. For Gatsby. World War I meant
that he would have to leave his sweetheart Daisy behind while he fought overseas. Though they
regularly’ sent letters to each other at first, Daisy eventually grows tired of waiting for Gatsby and
marries Torn Buchanan: Gatsby literally loses Daisy to the War. When Gatsby returns he is
extremely poor, barely surviving from day to day. He is forced to wear his military uniform for
months after his return because he is unable to purchase civilian clothing. When offered lunch by
Meyer Wolfshiem, Gatsby “ate more than four dollars’ worth of food in half an hour” (179).
Without money Gatsby could no longer attract Daisy like in his youth. Gatsby’s sad story was
echoed by an entire generation of American veterans.
When horrible images and nightmares of’ war haunted a soldier’s dreams upon his return.
one of the few things he could have pride about were his metals. Symbols of brave, courageous