Final answer:
F. Scott Fitzgerald's reflections on the 1920s reveal a period of youth dominated by dreams and the onset of reality, while Hemingway's life and works illuminate the complexities and darker sides of the era. The 1960s, on the other hand, were characterized by social upheaval, vibrant civil rights movement, and a push for major cultural and political changes.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the 1920s, F. Scott Fitzgerald describes his life as one of youthful naivety and relegated his regrets of not playing football in college and not serving overseas during the war to "childish waking dreams of imaginary heroism". His reflections indicate a period of personal growth and confrontation with the 'big problems of life' as he matured.
This personal account mirrors the wider reality of the 1920s, marked by societal optimism, post-war economic boom, and cultural dynamism, as well as the growing disillusionment and introspection among intellectuals like Fitzgerald, who started to question the era's values and apparent successes.
In contrast, Ernest Hemingway's experiences of war and tragedy profoundly influenced his life and work, leading to his portrayal of disillusionment and the darker aspects of the 1920s and beyond.
Hemingway's adventurous lifestyle and award-winning literary achievements signify the complexity and variance of individual experiences during this time, reflecting broader societal undercurrents of the era.
The 1960s were marked by significant social unrest and demands for change, highlighted by the feminist movement demanding equality and the youth questioning traditional values, as authors like Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem championed women's rights, and political activists challenged the status quo.
This tumultuous period is characterized by ardent civil rights activism, anti-war protests, and major political incidents, including the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and the resignation of President Richard Nixon, encapsulating a decade of extreme social, political, economic, and cultural contrast and transformation.