Biography
F. Scott Fitzgerald was born to Edward Fitzgerald and Mollie McQuillan on September 24, 1896, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He grew up in an upper-middle-class family, which allowed him to attend prestigious schools and receive a quality education. During World War I, his time in the military profoundly influenced his writing style and themes, especially in portraying the loss of innocence that characterized the post-war period.
Literary Career and Major Works
The Great Gatsby is Fitzgerald’s most celebrated and enduring novel. Set in the Roaring Twenties, it takes readers into the plentiful world of Jay Gatsby, who embodies the excesses and allure of the Jazz Age. Through vivid descriptions and dynamic characters, Fitzgerald dives into themes of the rich and poor classes (Leiwakabessy and Ermansyah). The Great Gatsby remains a timeless classic, respected for its intricate symbolism and portrayal of the hollowness beneath the surface of wealth and success.
Themes in Fitzgerald’s Works
Fitzgerald’s works consistently explore the concept of the American Dream and its manifestation, as well as the harsh realities of its pursuit (Turner). In The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan illustrate the illusion of the American Dream and the tragic consequences of unattainable aspirations (Rudy). Another recurring theme in Fitzgerald’s writing is the evident difference between the rich and the poor (Muhammad; Çağlıyan). Additionally, his works portray passionate romances and the impact of societal expectations on personal lives.
Legacy
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s literary contributions have left an indelible mark on American literature and cultural history. His portrayal of the analysis of the American Dream and investigation of human nature continues to resonate with readers, making his works relevant and relatable across generations. Fitzgerald’s enduring legacy lies not only in his celebrated novels but also in his insightful commentary on society and the human condition.
Works Cited
Çağlıyan, Murat. Tracing the Jamesian Influence on Selected Novels of Manners by John Galsworthy, Natsume Soseki, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Middle East Technical University, 2019.
Leiwakabessy, Avi, & Ermansyah, Ermansyah. “Analysis of Capitalism in the Novel “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald (Sociology of Literature Approach)”. Journal of Advanced English Studies, vol. 3, no. 2, 2023, 78-86. Web.
Maney, Bret J. “All of the Belles: The Montgomery Stories of F. Scott Fitzgerald and Flappers and Philosophers”. The F. Scott Fitzgerald Review, vol. 18, no. 1, 2023, 269–273. Web.
Muhammad, Anada Astrini et al. “Representative Of Hedonism Ideology In A Novel Of The Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald”. International Journal of Education and Humanities, vol. 1, no. 1, 2022, 31-38. Web.
Rudy, Ridha Rusmanyta. The Illocutionary Acts Used In The Novel The Great Gatsby By F. Scott Fitzgerald: A Pragmatic Analysis. Hasanuddin University, 2022.
Turner, Helen M. Breaking Down Fitzgerald. Wiley, 2022.