F. Scott Fitzgerald

Definition

F. Scott Fitzgerald was an American author known for his vivid portrayals of the Jazz Age and the Roaring Twenties. His works, particularly 'The Great Gatsby,' reflect the disillusionment and excess of post-World War I America, capturing the cultural and social dynamics of the time. Through his writing, Fitzgerald explored themes of ambition, love, and the American Dream, making significant contributions to 20th-century literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. F. Scott Fitzgerald was born on September 24, 1896, in St. Paul, Minnesota, and he became one of the most prominent writers of the 20th century.
2. His marriage to Zelda Sayre was tumultuous and often reflected in his writing, influencing many of his characters and themes about love and ambition.
3. Fitzgerald's works were largely unappreciated during his lifetime; 'The Great Gatsby' was published in 1925 but gained fame only after his death.
4. He was part of a group of expatriate writers in Paris in the 1920s, which included other literary giants like Ernest Hemingway and Gertrude Stein.
5. Fitzgerald's writing style is known for its lyrical prose and intricate symbolism, which effectively captured the complexities of human emotions and societal issues.

Review Questions

• How did F. Scott Fitzgerald's life experiences influence the themes present in his works?
  • F. Scott Fitzgerald's personal life significantly shaped the themes in his writing. His tumultuous relationship with Zelda Sayre provided insight into love and ambition, often reflected in characters like Jay Gatsby. Additionally, Fitzgerald's experiences as a soldier in World War I and his observations of post-war American society informed his critique of the American Dream, showcasing both its allure and its disillusionment.
• Discuss how 'The Great Gatsby' serves as a critique of the American Dream during the Jazz Age.
  • 'The Great Gatsby' critiques the American Dream by illustrating how wealth and social status do not guarantee happiness or fulfillment. Through Jay Gatsby's rise to wealth in pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, Fitzgerald highlights the emptiness behind the glittering facade of 1920s society. The novel showcases how characters become ensnared by their desires for materialism while ultimately finding that such pursuits lead to tragedy rather than true happiness.
• Evaluate the impact of F. Scott Fitzgerald's work on modern American literature and how it reflects broader cultural changes in the early 20th century.
  • F. Scott Fitzgerald's work had a lasting impact on modern American literature, particularly through his exploration of themes such as identity, aspiration, and moral decay amid societal change. His portrayal of the Jazz Age captured the spirit of a generation grappling with post-war disillusionment. By challenging traditional notions of success and exploring the darker sides of ambition, Fitzgerald paved the way for future writers to address complex human emotions within rapidly changing cultural landscapes.

Related terms

The Great Gatsby: A novel written by F. Scott Fitzgerald that critiques the American Dream through the story of Jay Gatsby and his pursuit of wealth and love in 1920s America.

Jazz Age: A term used to describe the cultural period in the 1920s characterized by jazz music, flappers, and a flourishing of arts and literature, heavily influenced by societal changes after World War I.

Modernism:

A literary and artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emphasizing new forms of expression and a break from traditional styles, often reflecting themes of alienation and fragmentation.