F. Scott Fitzgerald

Definition

F. Scott Fitzgerald was an American author known for his novels and short stories that capture the essence of the Jazz Age, a term he famously coined. His works, particularly 'The Great Gatsby,' explore themes of wealth, class, and the American Dream, reflecting the disillusionment and excess of the 1920s, which are key characteristics of literary modernism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fitzgerald was born on September 24, 1896, in St. Paul, Minnesota, and became a leading voice of the 1920s literature.
2. 'The Great Gatsby,' published in 1925, is considered Fitzgerald's masterpiece and a quintessential modernist novel that critiques the American Dream.
3. His writing style is characterized by lush prose and vivid imagery, often highlighting the contrasts between wealth and moral decay.
4. Fitzgerald struggled with alcoholism throughout his life, which affected both his personal relationships and his writing career.
5. He died on December 21, 1940, believing that he was a failure, but posthumously gained recognition as one of America's greatest writers.

Review Questions

• How does F. Scott Fitzgerald's portrayal of wealth in 'The Great Gatsby' reflect modernist characteristics?
  • In 'The Great Gatsby,' Fitzgerald uses wealth as a symbol to critique the moral decay and emptiness that often accompany material success. The opulence of Gatsby's parties contrasts sharply with the characters' emotional struggles and disillusionment. This focus on superficiality versus genuine connection exemplifies modernist themes of fragmentation and questioning traditional values.
• Analyze how Fitzgerald's life experiences influenced the themes in his writing, particularly in relation to modernism.
  • Fitzgerald's experiences growing up in a wealthy family yet facing economic instability shaped his understanding of class and aspiration. His observations during the Jazz Age provided insight into the era's excesses and disillusionment with the American Dream. This blend of personal experience with broader social commentary allowed him to explore modernist themes such as identity crisis and societal disintegration within his narratives.
• Evaluate how F. Scott Fitzgerald's works contribute to our understanding of modernism as a literary movement.
  • Fitzgerald's works embody many key elements of modernism, including a focus on subjective experience and the complexities of human emotion. Through rich symbolism and innovative narrative techniques, such as unreliable narrators in 'The Great Gatsby,' he invites readers to question reality versus illusion. His exploration of societal norms and personal disillusionment not only highlights the turbulence of his time but also reflects broader existential concerns central to modernist literature.

Related terms

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

Modernism:

A literary and artistic movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, marked by a break with traditional forms and an exploration of new styles and perspectives.

The American Dream: The national ethos of the United States that emphasizes freedom, opportunity, and the pursuit of happiness, often depicted as attainable through hard work and determination.