F. Scott Fitzgerald

Definition

F. Scott Fitzgerald was an American novelist and short story writer, best known for his portrayal of the Jazz Age and the American Dream in the 1920s. His works, particularly 'The Great Gatsby,' explore themes of wealth, class, and social change, reflecting the experiences of American expatriates in Europe during that period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fitzgerald's novel 'The Great Gatsby' was published in 1925 and is often regarded as one of the greatest American novels, showcasing the decadence and moral decay of the Jazz Age.
2. He lived in France for several years, which influenced his writing style and allowed him to connect with other expatriate writers like Ernest Hemingway.
3. Fitzgerald's personal life, including his tumultuous marriage to Zelda Sayre, mirrored the themes of excess and tragedy found in his works.
4. Despite his current acclaim, Fitzgerald struggled with financial instability during his lifetime and was relatively unknown until after his death in 1940.
5. His works often critique the American Dream, showcasing how the pursuit of wealth can lead to disillusionment and loss.

Review Questions

• How did F. Scott Fitzgerald's experiences as an expatriate influence his writing style and themes?
  • F. Scott Fitzgerald's time living in Europe as part of the Lost Generation greatly influenced his writing style and thematic choices. The cultural environment he encountered, especially in Paris, exposed him to new literary ideas and avant-garde movements. This experience allowed him to capture the essence of disillusionment felt by many Americans after World War I, which is evident in his portrayal of characters striving for meaning amid the superficiality of wealth and status.
• Discuss the relationship between F. Scott Fitzgerald's depiction of the Jazz Age and the concept of the American Dream.
  • Fitzgerald's depiction of the Jazz Age is intricately linked to the concept of the American Dream. Through characters like Jay Gatsby, he illustrates the seductive allure of wealth and success while simultaneously critiquing its hollowness. Gatsby’s tragic pursuit of love and status reflects how the American Dream can lead to disillusionment rather than fulfillment, capturing the paradoxical nature of this era where prosperity coexisted with moral decay.
• Evaluate how F. Scott Fitzgerald's legacy has shaped contemporary views on American literature and culture.
  • F. Scott Fitzgerald's legacy continues to shape contemporary views on American literature and culture through his exploration of themes such as identity, class struggle, and the elusive nature of happiness. His work not only critiques societal norms but also resonates with modern readers grappling with similar issues. As a key figure in Modernism, Fitzgerald's innovative narrative techniques have influenced countless writers, ensuring that his insights into the human condition remain relevant today.

Related terms

The Lost Generation: A term used to describe a group of American writers who were disillusioned by the aftermath of World War I and often lived in Europe, including Fitzgerald and his contemporaries.

Modernism: A literary movement characterized by a break from traditional forms and subjects, often embracing new narrative techniques and exploring themes of alienation and dislocation.

Jazz Age: A term coined by Fitzgerald to describe the period in the 1920s characterized by jazz music, cultural dynamism, and a sense of rebellion against traditional norms.