F. Scott Fitzgerald | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : December 31, 2024

Who is F. Scott Fitzgerald?

F. Scott Fitzgerald, born on September 24, 1896, in St. Paul, Minnesota, is revered as one of the foremost authors in American literature, primarily due to his iconic work, "The Great Gatsby." This novel is often heralded as the quintessential American novel and provides a rich social commentary on the Jazz Age. Renowned for its lyrical prose and sharp critiques of materialism and the American Dream, "The Great Gatsby" resonates with readers across generations. Fitzgerald’s exploration of themes such as love, wealth, and ambition remains a significant part of the American literary landscape.

Fitzgerald's literary journey began early, influenced by a privileged yet tumultuous upbringing. He attended prestigious schools, eventually enrolling at Princeton University, where he honed his craft. After his initial success with "This Side of Paradise," Fitzgerald's life spiraled into a tumult of fame, excessive living, and personal struggles, particularly involving his wife, Zelda Sayre, whose mental health challenges profoundly impacted their lives. Despite his early successes, including "The Beautiful and Damned," Fitzgerald faced professional obstacles and personal turmoil, culminating in his tragic belief that he was a failure by the time of his untimely death in 1940 at age 44.

Early Life and Education

Francis Scott Fitzgerald was born on September 24, 1896, in St. Paul, Minnesota, into a family with modest means but aspirations for greater social standing. His mother, Mary McQuillan, hailed from an Irish-Catholic family with a successful wholesale grocery business, while his father, Edward Fitzgerald, faced fluctuations in his career, eventually venturing into sales. The family relocated between cities in New York and St. Paul during young Fitzgerald's formative years. At the age of 12, after his father's employment struggles, they returned to St. Paul, relying on his mother's inheritance to support them.

Fitzgerald was a bright and ambitious child, displaying his talent early as he published his first piece—a detective story—in his school newspaper at just 13. Subsequently, his parents enrolled him in the Newman School, a prestigious Catholic preparatory institution in New Jersey, where his writing skills were recognized and nurtured by Father Sigourney Fay. After graduating in 1913, Fitzgerald pursued his literary ambitions at Princeton University, where he engaged in writing for various campus publications. However, his literary pursuits often took precedence over academics, ultimately leading him to leave college in 1917 to join the U.S. Army during World War I, when he was consumed by the fear of dying without leaving a literary legacy.

Career Start: This Side of Paradise

F. Scott Fitzgerald's literary career took off with the publication of his first novel, "This Side of Paradise", in 1920. At just 24 years old, Fitzgerald's autobiographical narrative captivated readers with its exploration of love, ambition, and the challenges of reaching the upper echelons of society. Centered on the character Amory Blaine, a young Midwesterner navigating the complexities of romantic relationships and societal expectations, the novel resonated deeply with the disillusionment of post-World War I America. Garnering significant acclaim, it quickly established Fitzgerald as a prominent figure in American literature.

The success of "This Side of Paradise" marked a turning point in Fitzgerald's life. He not only became a household name almost overnight but also embraced the social life that accompanied newfound fame. The novel's ability to blend personal experience with broader cultural observations allowed Fitzgerald to cultivate a reputation as a chronicler of the Jazz Age. His extravagant lifestyle during this period became intertwined with his literary persona, reflecting the very themes of excess and pursuit of wealth that he critiqued in his writings. The achievement of this debut success paved the way for his subsequent works, defining his career trajectory as a significant voice in 20th-century American literature.

Achieving Success: The Great Gatsby

F. Scott Fitzgerald, considered one of the foremost authors in American literature, reached incredible heights of success with his seminal work, "The Great Gatsby." Published in 1925, this novel encapsulates the essence of the Jazz Age through its vibrant prose and rich characterizations. The tale follows Nick Carraway, who becomes entangled in the enigmatic world of his neighbor, Jay Gatsby, a wealthy man consumed by his obsession with the beautiful Daisy Buchanan. Gatsby’s pursuit of the American Dream, coupled with themes of love, wealth, and moral decay, positions the novel as not just a critique of materialism but also as a timeless exploration of human ambition and desire.

Though "The Great Gatsby" received moderate acclaim upon its release, Fitzgerald's work underwent a profound reevaluation posthumously. Many now regard it as the quintessence of American literature, synonymous with the highs and lows of the American experience during the 1920s. The novel’s lyrical narrative and its examination of the American Dream's disillusionment resonate deeply with readers across generations. Its enduring popularity has made it a staple in American education, ensuring that Fitzgerald’s insights into the complexities of wealth and identity remain relevant today. Through "The Great Gatsby," Fitzgerald achieved lasting success, cementing his legacy as a central figure in the canon of American literature.

Later Works and Struggles

F. Scott Fitzgerald's later years were marked by significant personal and professional struggles, yet they also reflected his resilience as a writer. After the initial success of "The Great Gatsby", Fitzgerald faced the harsh realities of dwindling recognition and growing alcoholism. Although he tried to revive his literary career, the pressures of his marriage to Zelda, who was battling severe mental health issues, took a toll on his work and personal life. During this period, he faced prolonged bouts of writer's block, which further exacerbated his feelings of inadequacy as an artist.

In pursuit of a fresh start, Fitzgerald moved to Hollywood in an attempt to salvage his career as a screenwriter. Though he found some financial stability in this new venture, the lack of critical acclaim left him feeling unfulfilled. Despite the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, Fitzgerald struggled with the loneliness and disillusionment that accompanied his artistic decline. His unfinished novel, "The Love of the Last Tycoon," symbolizes both his enduring ambition and the shadows of despair that clouded his later years. Ultimately, Fitzgerald's life was a complex interplay between literary genius and the harsh realities of personal turmoil.

Personal Life: Married Life with Zelda Sayre and Daughter

F. Scott Fitzgerald married Zelda Sayre on April 3, 1920, in New York City, just a week after the release of his debut novel, "This Side of Paradise". Their union was marked by both passion and turmoil as Zelda served as Fitzgerald's muse, inspiring characters in many of his works, including "The Great Gatsby" and "Tender Is the Night". Zelda, a spirited Southern belle, captivated the writer with her vivacity and charisma, and their relationship quickly became emblematic of the Jazz Age. However, this glamorous life was accompanied by immense pressures, including the expectations of celebrity and the strains of Fitzgerald’s burgeoning fame.

The couple welcomed their only child, a daughter named Frances "Scottie" Fitzgerald, in 1921. As Scottie grew up amidst the complexities of her parents' lives, she often found herself caught between their artistic impulses and the realities of mental illness that plagued Zelda. By the late 1920s, Zelda's mental health deteriorated, leading to a series of hospitalizations that deeply affected the family. Despite these challenges, Scottie maintained a bond with her parents, and Fitzgerald’s explorations of love, loss, and desire were often mirrored in his relationships. The Fitzgerald family's struggles, including financial instability and Zelda's health issues, profoundly shaped F. Scott Fitzgerald's literary lens and contributed to the complexities of his narratives.

Net Worth and Earning: Financial Challenges

F. Scott Fitzgerald, despite his immense talent and eventual literary acclaim, faced significant financial challenges throughout his life. His initial success with "This Side of Paradise" in 1920 brought a burst of fame and wealth, but Fitzgerald's extravagant lifestyle and compulsive spending habits quickly consumed his earnings. He and his wife, Zelda Sayre, indulged in the affluence of the Jazz Age, leading to a series of financial difficulties that included living beyond their means and accumulating debt. The couple's penchant for lavish living ultimately strained their finances, and by the late 1920s, they often found themselves in precarious economic situations.

Throughout the 1930s, Fitzgerald attempted to recover financially through various writing projects, including screenwriting in Hollywood. His experiences in the film industry, however, yielded only modest financial returns, creating a stark contrast to his early literary success. Despite having authored one of the most celebrated American novels, "The Great Gatsby," his earnings during his lifetime never matched the acclaim he received posthumously. Fitzgerald's struggle to balance his artistic ambitions with financial stability paints a poignant picture of a writer caught between the demands of his craft and the realities of economic hardship, ultimately leading him to believe he was a failure in both life and career.