The wealthier Americans intensely lived the 1920s, also known as the ‘Roaring Twenties, ‘ the Jazz Age, and the era of grand parties fueled by illegal drinks, when F. Scott Fitzgerald published what would become his first major literary success: This Side of Paradise. The book tells the story of the young Amory Blaine. A rich, handsome, intelligent, and arrogant boy. Annoying and irritatingly charming. He is a product of what intellectuals call the American ‘Lost Generation.’ A generation that was enchanted by progress and its machines, yet discontented and restless with the country's situation and the austerity of the older generation. No one depicted this American historical period with as much talent and sensitivity as Scott Fitzgerald, especially since his life and the lives of his characters intertwine in the book in an unmistakable way.
Tentang Penulis
Born on September 24, 1896, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald, better known as F. Scott Fitzgerald, was an American writer, novelist, short story writer, screenwriter, and poet. He was born into an upper-middle-class family of Irish and Catholic descent. Fitzgerald is considered one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century, part of the so-called ‘Lost Generation’ of American literature.
He enrolled at Princeton University but did not graduate. He began to mingle with upper-class families, a lifestyle that fascinated him until the end of his life, reflected in his works.
During World War I, F. Scott Fitzgerald was drafted into the army but did not serve in Europe. In 1920, he began his literary career with the novel ‘This Side of Paradise, ‘ which sold 50, 000 copies, a remarkable feat for the time. The author’s success was immediate, giving him access to prestigious publications. That same year, captivated by the elite lifestyle, he married Zelda, and the following year, their only daughter was born.
Their lives were tumultuous. Both enjoyed travel, parties, glamour, and alcohol. Scott and Zelda split their time between the United States and chic European cities. Their lifestyle made them as famous as F. Scott’s works.
In 1922, he published his second novel, ‘The Beautiful and Damned.’ In the same year, he also released his short stories in ‘Tales of the Jazz Age.’ In 1925, the author completed his third novel, ‘The Great Gatsby.’ This work is considered by critics to be his most polished. It depicts high society life with critical reflection.
By 1930, the love story and lifestyle of the couple took a tragic turn. Zelda Fitzgerald was diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Scott’s hectic life prevented him from writing more novels. He became a writer of chronicles and essays published in magazines. But in 1934, the author published the novel ‘Tender is the Night.’ The work was not well-received by critics at the time, but today it is considered one of his best works.
Succumbing to alcoholism, Scott moved to Hollywood. There, he worked as a screenwriter until the last three years of his life. During this period, he wrote autobiographical essays that were later published under the title ‘The Crack-Up.’ In the year of his death, 1940, he also wrote the unfinished novel ‘The Last Tycoon.’
In 1940, at the age of 44, Francis Scott Fitzgerald died of a heart attack.
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