F. Scott Fitzgerald, photographed for The World’s Work in June of 1921.
(Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
WriterF.
Fitzgerald dreamed of being a romantic figure from a young age.
F. Scott Fitzgerald, photographed for “The World’s Work” in June of 1921. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
After his death, his legacy developed into one of melancholic genius.
Read on to discover the story behind one of America’s literary heroes.
At the school, Fitzgerald wrote for various campus publications and even managed to finish a novel.
The writer photographed in uniform in 1917; he was enlisted but never sent abroad. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public domain])
While rejected by Scribner, the publisher gave encouraging feedback to the young author.
Despite this positive outlook, Fitzgerald’s grades tanked, and he eventually dropped out altogether in 1917.
F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, nee Sayre, circa 1921.
F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, née Sayre, circa 1921. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public domain])
Enchanted by her, Fitzgerald attempted to make himself worthy of her.
His financial failures ended their short-lived engagement.
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s study in St. Paul, Minnesota.
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s study in St. Paul, Minnesota. Photographed for the historic American Buildings Survey. (Photo:Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington)
Photographed for the historic American Buildings Survey.
He revisedThe Romantic Egotistand submitted it once more to publishers.
This time, the work was accepted and the first printing was released in 1920 by Scribner.
“The Great Gatsby” cover at first publication in 1925. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public domain])
The retitled novelThis Side of Paradisedid commercially well.
The two were married that year in New York.
Scott and Zelda
The Great Gatsby cover at first publication in 1925.
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” a short story in in Collier’s Magazine, 1922. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public domain])
Everyone wanted to meet him.
After taking the New York social scene by storm, the Fitzgeralds moved to Paris in 1924.
Published in 1925, the now-famous novel was met with only lukewarm enthusiasm.
F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald’s gravesite in Rockville, Maryland. (Photo:Wikimedia Commons[Public domain])
Zelda’s mental health issues were also likely beginning to manifest.
In 1934, Fitzgerald’s novelTender Is the Nightwas released.
The world was different, however, from the roaring twenties.
Feeling the financial crunch, Fitzgerald’s drinking problem worsened, leading to medical and legal troubles.
Fitzgerald’s other works have been modified for stage and screen many times.
The Symbol of His Times
F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald’s gravesite in Rockville, Maryland.
There was vitality in every line he wrote.
Fitzgerald’s career is a tragic story, but the end is better than it might have been.
And I think he will be remembered in his generation.
It is this balance of nothingness and vitality which gave works likeThe Great Gatsbytheir enduring quality.
