We often long for what we cannot have and reflect on what could have been. Fitzgerald's novel, The Great Gatsby, explored the clandestine lives of the rich and wealthy; especially that of Jay Gatsby. Gatsby's wealth, however, came at a price. Gatsby is passionate about the legitimate world of fashion and glamour, as well as the world of smuggling and corruption. Fitzgerald insinuates that Gatsby's ill-gotten wealth came from bootlegging operations during the Prohibition era. Corruption ultimately led to the rejection of the American dream. A novel, The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald is set in two of the wealthiest towns on Long Island; Western and Eastern egg. West Egg, was a place of “nouveau riche” or new money. It is here that Jay Gatsby settled in his stately home. Just across the bay sits Tom Buchanan's mansion on Long Island's East Egg. During the Prohibition era, many people like Jay Gatsby became instant millionaires in the alcohol bootlegging business. With their newfound wealth, they were propelled to the top of the social pyramid. As in any successful criminal operation, corruption is the key to keeping officials away. The introduction of Gatsby's business partner, Meyer Wolfshiem, led to the assumption that Gatsby was well connected. Fitzgerald's novel supports this where Gatsby says, “He's the man who fixed the World Series in 1919…they can't get him, old boy. He is a clever man” (The Great Gatsby 78). On another occasion, Gatsby was pulled over for speeding; he showed a card to the police officer and was released. “Taking a blank card from his wallet he waved it before the man's eyes... Talk to you next time, Mr. Gatsby” (The Great Gatsby 72). Although Fitzgerald doesn't specify... middle of the paper... the Prohibition era served as a catalyst, fueling the lucrative bootlegging industry, churning out multimillionaires (like Gatsby) every other day. Coming from a lower class background, Gatsby couldn't resist the temptation to spend his newfound money on parties, clothes, and cars, not to mention pursuing the love of his life. He fell into a delusional state where he believed his money could buy anything. Gatsby, dissatisfied with his humble origins, longed for a life of lavish parties, elegant clothes, and the woman of his dreams. This led him into the corrupt underworld of illegal operations, particularly alcohol smuggling. The 1920s marked a decade of loose moral and social values. People were engaged in an era of consumerism as shown by Gatsby's parties. This hindered the pursuit of more just goals which in turn led to the rejection of American ideals.