Audio 2: Foundation

In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the deeper ideas in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. They focus on the parallel between Nick's perception of Gatsby and society's perception of a speakeasy, both shrouded in secrecy. They invite a specialist to explain speakeasies and prohibition, highlighting how bootlegging and selling alcohol illegally played a role in Gatsby's wealth. The hosts express excitement about exploring Gatsby as a unique character and addressing common questions about his identity and the source of his money. What's up, everybody, and welcome back to the Beyond the Book podcast. We are your hosts, Preston Heide and Jett Honig. You listeners know the deal. Jett and I will interpret and dig deeper into the ideas that the average reader may overlook in books that you guys have requested. Today we begin with the first episode of a six-part series where we will interpret deeper ideas that were not quite looked at in none other than The Great Gatsby. Ah, what a classic. Nothing screams high school English more than F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. To kick off this exploration of Gatsby, we are going to be diving into the literary parallel between Nick's perception of Gatsby and society's perception of a speakeasy and how both are shrouded in secrecy. Mm, very interesting. Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you are strapped in and ready because we are about to go Beyond the Book. How do you feel about this episode? How do you feel about this episode? You know, I'm excited about this one. Gatsby is one of the most unique characters in literature. Oh, I couldn't agree more. Everyone sees and interprets him differently, which is what I love. This leaves many questions regarding Gatsby as a character. Yeah, the questions that I receive most are always, you know, who is Gatsby? Do you know this Gatsby fellow? What does Gatsby do? Where did all of his money come from? Those seem to be some of the most common questions that I receive as well. You know, one thing that I found interesting that could answer these questions is the idea of bootlegging and selling alcohol illegally. Yeah, I totally agree. Matter of fact, I invited my good friend O2 Carr, who is a speakeasy specialist. Hello O2, we are pleased to have you on the podcast. Would you mind explaining to the listeners about speakeasies and prohibition? Of course, this is what I'm here for. During the 1920s, which is when the great Gatsby takes place, prohibition was established, which prevented the manufacture and sale of alcohol. This would spark the rise of behind-the-scenes crime and alcohol dealing. Bootlegging was the action of opposing prohibition by secretly manufacturing and selling alcohol through speakeasies. Speakeasies, which were underground bars owned by mafia-connected bootleggers, attracted the wealthy and elite who could afford the exorbitant prices of alcohol. They were hidden and also required a secret code for entry. And the 2013 great Gatsby film exhibits this concept very well as the bar was hidden in the basement of a barbershop, and entry meant knocking on the barbershop menu. Many think Gatsby was a bootlegger who lived off dirty money. Thank you very much, O2 Carr. I think that answers the question of how Gatsby could have possibly gotten his money. I'll stick around if you have any more questions or whatnot. Thank you.