F. Scott Fitzgerald 1896-1940

Fitzgerald on Writing “Mostly, we authors repeat ourselves…We have two or three great and moving experiences in our lives…and we tell our two or three stories – each time in a new disguise.”

Early years Birthplace – St. Paul, Minnesota Named for an ancestor – Frances Scott Key, the composer of “The Star-Spangled Banner” Spoiled as a boy; failed at schoolwork and sports Began writing stories and plays in his teens

Early years Attended Princeton University Enlisted in officers’ training during World War I but was never sent overseas Fell in love with Zelda Sayre, a rich socialite from Montgomery, while stationed at Camp Sheridan in Alabama

Adult Life Married Zelda in April 1920 Became disillusioned with life in America – became an expatriate in Paris (along with Hemingway and many other writers) One daughter – Frances, born in St. Paul (nickname -- Scottie)

St. Mary’s Catholic Church Rockville, Maryland

Problems 1929 – Stock market crashed – with it so did Fitzgerald’s private life and career 1930 – Zelda suffered a mental breakdown and spent the rest of her life in and out of asylums Fitzgerald had problems with alcohol, failing health, debts, and depression for the rest of his life.

First Novel This Side of Paradise Published in 1920 Novel was an instant sensation Helped name the 1920s “The Jazz Age” (new music, rebellion against social rules, reckless actions and spending)

The Great Gatsby Published in 1925 Considered Fitzgerald’s greatest work

The 1920s World War I ends in 1918 Life after WWI: Prosperity – new money Prohibition – bootleggers People flocking to large cities “Manufactured personalities” Disillusionment with American Dream Decline of moral values 1929 – Stock Market Crash leads to the Great Depression

Characteristics of Modernism (1900-1950) Rejection of Realism’s view of a firm “reality.” Emphasis on the “broken” quality of lives after WWI. Sense of disillusionment and loss of faith in the American Dream Rejection of the traditional hero in favor of flawed characters Interest in inner workings of the human mind

Major Characters Nick Carraway (narrator) Daisy Buchanan Tom Buchanan Jay Gatsby (James Gatz) Myrtle Wilson George Wilson Jordan Baker

Setting Long Island, New York East Egg [location of the Buchanan’s mansion] West Egg [location of Gatsby’s mansion and Nick’s cottage] Between Long Island and New York City Valley of Ashes [location of the Wilson’s garage] New York City Tom Buchanan’s apartment

Long Island, New York

Links The Great Gatsby 2013 – a trailer of the most recent film adaptation of the novel Jazz age Dance Music