F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940)

The Roaring ‘20’s In the period following

WWI, Americans were desperate for a good time.

Fitzgerald did not simply write about the 1920’s… he helped to shape the decade.

Through writing, Fitzgerald deemed the 1920’s “the jazz age.”

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Early Life Born in St Paul Father wasn’t much of a businessman Young Fitzgerald resolved he would never

be a failure. Mother came from a well-off family: felt like

a poor boy amongst rich kids. Eventually used his talent to gain

acceptance in private school.

Desire for Glory Fitz would often write

plays, cast himself as the star, and recruit people he wanted as friends.

In 1913, Fitz was accepted at Princeton

After he dropped out in 1917, he enlisted, with dreams of being a war hero- missed his chance

Finally threw himself into writing

His First Love… During his time at Princeton, he

met a real “golden girl.” Ginevra King- socialite He desired her, but could not

attain her. Fitzgerald fell hard for this

woman, but was eventually dumped because of social status.

Fitzgerald bases many characters on her- one is in the first story we are reading

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Zelda Sayre Shortly after, he met Zelda Sayre- his golden girl Fitzgerald’s characterization often mirrors his experience

with his Zelda. When they first met, Zelda was considered a young

Southern bell- a darling- from Montgomery, Alabama

… not your “Emily Grierson” Zelda was wild. She was a flapper-

she flopped convention, stayed out all night, indulged in alcohol and music.

She and Fitzgerald became icons of The Jazz Age.

Europe They eventually had a child,

which only slowed them down.

Their lives became “very alcoholic and very chaotic.”

Eventually moved to Europe, where Scott threw himself into writing the Great Gatsby and Zelda had an affair.

He felt betrayed- never quite recovered.

Downward Spiral As the decade came to a close

and America entered the Great depression, Scott and Zelda entered the worst stage of their relationship.

Zelda’s mental health deteriorated quickly- she was diagnosed with schizophrenia

He wrote a 4th novel, which he spent 9 years revising.

Again, the book was largely based on his life, but failed… people could not longer relate!

The Bitter End Continued to write novels, but they largely failed

during the era of the depression Drank more than ever Described himself as emotionally bankrupt Finally died of a massive heart attack at 44 Zelda could not be there, but was buried next to

Scott Around the 1950s, people rediscovered his books.

Gatsby alone now sells over 300,000 copies a year

Prompts What is the American

dream? Has the dream

changed since the 1920’s?

Is there a dark side to success and wealth?