Zelda Fitzgerald | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : January 07, 2025

Who is Zelda Fitzgerald?

Zelda Fitzgerald, born on July 24, 1900, in Montgomery, Alabama, remains an enduring symbol of the Roaring Twenties. As the spirited wife of American author F. Scott Fitzgerald, Zelda's vibrant personality and artistic pursuits left an indelible mark on American literature and culture. She was not just a muse; her own creative talents flourished through her writing and painting. Her semi-autobiographical novel, Save Me the Waltz, and her myriad of magazine articles and short stories showcased her distinctive voice and perspective, often reflecting the tumultuous nature of her marriage to F. Scott, with whom she shared both love and hardship.

The couple's relationship, marked by passion and turbulence, embodied the excesses and struggles of their era. As a socialite and a talented dancer, Zelda broke away from conventional gender norms, embracing a lifestyle of independence and artistic expression. However, this exuberance was often overshadowed by financial instability and Zelda's mental health challenges, leading to periods in various mental health clinics. Despite these difficulties, her legacy endures, highlighted by her induction into the Alabama Women's Hall of Fame and adaptations of her life in popular media, ensuring that her contributions to literature and art are recognized alongside her husband's celebrated works.

Early Life and Education

Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald was born on July 24, 1900, in Montgomery, Alabama, into a family of notable privilege. She was the youngest of five children born to Anthony Dickinson Sayre, a distinguished judge who later served on the Supreme Court of Alabama, and Minnie Buckner Machen Sayre. Growing up in a well-to-do household, Zelda enjoyed the comforts of local high society and was exposed to cultural activities from an early age. The Sayre family’s reputation in Montgomery played a significant role in shaping her spirited personality and ambition to break free from the conventions expected of women in her milieu.

Zelda's exceptional talents manifested early in her life. She was a gifted dancer and a socialite who defied the gender norms of her time, engaging in activities such as smoking and drinking, which were frowned upon for young women. After graduating from Sidney Lanier High School in 1918, she quickly transitioned into the social scene where she honed her independence and creative instincts. It was during a country club dance in Montgomery that she met the aspiring author F. Scott Fitzgerald, igniting a passionate relationship that would ultimately alter the course of both their lives and mark the beginning of an iconic, albeit tumultuous, partnership.

Marriage and Family Life

Zelda Fitzgerald and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s marriage was a captivating yet tumultuous union that epitomized the excitement and chaos of the Roaring Twenties. After initially declining his proposal in 1919 due to social standing concerns, Zelda agreed to marry F. Scott in 1920, shortly after the success of his debut novel, "This Side of Paradise." The couple quickly became celebrities, indulging in a lavish lifestyle that included travel across Europe. Their daughter, Frances Scott Fitzgerald, was born in 1921, yet the couple struggled to maintain stability and balance between their personal lives and F. Scott's burgeoning literary career.

Despite being a source of inspiration for her husband's work, Zelda's role often devolved into that of a muse overshadowed by F. Scott's literary ambitions. Their marriage faced significant challenges, including financial instability and the impact of F. Scott's alcoholism. The 1929 stock market crash dramatically altered their fortunes, leading to further strife and Zelda's mental health struggles, culminating in a diagnosis of schizophrenia. While they experienced moments of joy, their relationship was marred by conflict and emotional turmoil, ultimately highlighting the fragility of their once glamorous lifestyle and deep affection for one another.

Marital and Mental Health Issues

Zelda Fitzgerald's marriage to F. Scott Fitzgerald was marked by tumult and strife, an intensifying cycle of love, creativity, and hardship. As F. Scott rose to fame with works like "This Side of Paradise" and "The Great Gatsby," Zelda found herself both as his muse and a struggling artist in her own right. Their relationship began to fracture under the weight of F. Scott's alcoholism and escalating violence. While he drew inspiration from her life, even using excerpts from her personal diaries in his novels, Zelda became increasingly overwhelmed by the pressures of their public persona and the instability of their financial situation.

The stock market crash of 1929 served as a breaking point for Zelda and F. Scott. With their extravagant lifestyle crumbling, Zelda's mental health began a rapid decline, leading to a diagnosis of schizophrenia in 1930. She spent many years in and out of mental health clinics, constantly battling the demons of her illness while her marriage deteriorated. Ultimately, this period was a stark reminder of the fragility of their once-glamorous existence, as Zelda's creativity struggled to emerge against the backdrop of her deteriorating mental state and the disintegration of her marriage.

Legacy and Artistic Contribution

Zelda Fitzgerald's legacy extends far beyond her role as the muse for her husband, F. Scott Fitzgerald. As a semi-autobiographical novelist, her work "Save Me the Waltz" offers insight into her tumultuous life and struggles within their marriage, showcasing her unique voice and perspective. She also penned the play "Scandalabra" and contributed numerous articles and short stories that reflected her experiences and the vibrant culture of her time. These writings reveal her keen observations and artistic insight, marking her as a significant literary figure in her own right, rather than merely a reflection of her husband’s genius.

In addition to her literary contributions, Zelda was a talented painter whose works captured the essence of the Jazz Age and her personal narrative. Her oil paintings are now housed in the F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum in Montgomery, Alabama, where they continue to inspire new generations. Despite battling mental health issues throughout her life, her creative output remained influential, culminating in her posthumous recognition as a pioneer among women writers and artists. Zelda’s induction into the Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame in 1992 and the dramatization of her life in "Z: The Beginning of Everything" in 2017 further solidify her place in history as an artistic force worthy of celebration.

Personal Life: Married to F. Scott Fitzgerald, Mother to Frances

Zelda Fitzgerald's personal life was characterized by her tumultuous marriage to the renowned author F. Scott Fitzgerald. The couple met in 1918 at a Montgomery, Alabama country club dance and quickly became inseparable. Despite an initial rejection of F. Scott’s marriage proposal due to his lower social standing, the pair married on April 3, 1920, just a week after the release of his debut novel, "This Side of Paradise". Their life was a whirlwind of fame, extravagance, and social gatherings, which epitomized the Roaring Twenties, but the glamor was often overshadowed by struggles with finances and personal conflicts.

Together, Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald welcomed their only child, Frances Scott Fitzgerald, affectionately known as "Scottie," on October 26, 1921. Despite their elaborate lifestyle and social achievements, their marriage exhibited significant strain, influenced by F. Scott’s literary ambitions and Zelda's own artistic aspirations. She became a muse for many of her husband’s works, yet their relationship deteriorated over the years, leading to various challenges, including financial instability and Zelda's battle with mental health. Ultimately, Zelda's role as a mother and partner was complex, reflecting both the vibrant spirit of the era and the personal chaos that often accompanied it.

Net Worth and Earning: Writers and Artists

Zelda Fitzgerald, a prominent figure of the Roaring Twenties, was not only celebrated for her vibrant personality but also for her artistic contributions as a writer and painter. Despite the turbulence of her marriage to F. Scott Fitzgerald, Zelda pursued her creative endeavors, showcasing her talents through a semi-autobiographical novel, "Save Me the Waltz," and various magazines and short stories. Her painting work also gained recognition, and her artistic legacy is preserved at the F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum in Montgomery, Alabama. While her financial situation fluctuated throughout her life, resulting in periods of both prosperity and hardship, Zelda's creativity remained a vital aspect of her identity.

Zelda’s financial struggles were closely tied to her husband’s literary career. Initially, their marriage enjoyed the affluence brought by F. Scott’s success, particularly after the publication of "This Side of Paradise." However, following the stock market crash in 1929, their lavish lifestyle unraveled, leading to financial ruin. Despite these challenges, Zelda continued to write and paint, illustrating her resilience and passion for the arts. Her posthumous recognition highlights the impact of her work in literary and artistic circles, reminding us that Zelda Fitzgerald was a talented creator in her own right, worthy of admiration beyond her role as a muse.