F. Scott Fitzgerald

Definition

F. Scott Fitzgerald was an American novelist and short story writer, known for his portrayal of the Jazz Age in the 1920s, particularly through his most famous work, 'The Great Gatsby.' His writing often explores themes of wealth, social class, and the American Dream, utilizing a distinctive narrative style that captures both the glamour and disillusionment of his time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fitzgerald's most renowned novel, 'The Great Gatsby,' is often regarded as one of the greatest American novels, highlighting the illusion of the American Dream.
2. He struggled with personal issues such as alcoholism and financial instability, which influenced his writing and character development.
3. 'Tender Is the Night' is another significant novel by Fitzgerald that examines themes of mental illness and the complexities of love and relationships.
4. Fitzgerald's unique narrative style often includes vivid imagery and symbolism, which contribute to the emotional depth of his characters.
5. His works reflect a critique of 1920s society, revealing the emptiness that can accompany wealth and social status.

Review Questions

• How does F. Scott Fitzgerald's use of narration shape our understanding of the characters in 'The Great Gatsby'?
  • F. Scott Fitzgerald employs Nick Carraway as the first-person narrator in 'The Great Gatsby,' providing a subjective lens through which readers experience the story. Nick's perspective allows for insights into the motivations and flaws of characters like Gatsby and Daisy, while also emphasizing themes of idealism and disillusionment. This narrative choice creates a complex relationship between the narrator and other characters, making readers question the reliability of his observations.
• Discuss how Fitzgerald's works reflect the themes of wealth and class disparity in American society during the 1920s.
  • Fitzgerald’s works often critique the superficiality associated with wealth in the 1920s. In 'The Great Gatsby,' he illustrates how characters like Jay Gatsby attain immense wealth yet remain unfulfilled and isolated from genuine human connection. Through this portrayal, Fitzgerald highlights the stark contrasts between different social classes, showcasing the moral decay beneath the glittering surface of high society. This commentary on class disparity resonates throughout his oeuvre, challenging the notion that wealth guarantees happiness.
• Evaluate how F. Scott Fitzgerald's exploration of the American Dream in his novels reflects broader societal changes during his lifetime.
  • F. Scott Fitzgerald's exploration of the American Dream reveals a deep ambivalence about its attainability and meaning. In 'The Great Gatsby,' he portrays Gatsby's relentless pursuit of success as ultimately hollow, serving as a metaphor for the disillusionment felt by many Americans during the post-World War I era. This critical perspective reflects broader societal changes, including economic upheaval, shifting cultural values, and a growing awareness of inequality. Fitzgerald's works encourage readers to question whether true fulfillment can be achieved through material success alone.

Related terms

The Jazz Age: A term used to describe the 1920s in America, characterized by jazz music, flapper culture, and a general sense of liberation and excess.

American Dream: The national ethos of the United States that emphasizes the idea of prosperity and success achievable through hard work and determination.

Modernism: A broad cultural movement in literature and art that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, emphasizing new forms of expression and a break from traditional styles.