F. Scott Fitzgerald ​

Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald, known as F. Scott Fitzgerald, was an American novelist and short story writer, whose works are the paradigmatic writings of the Jazz Age. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century. Fitzgerald is considered a member of the "Lost Generation" of the 1920s. He finished four novels: "This Side of Paradise", "The Beautiful and Damned", "The Great Gatsby", and "Tender Is the Night".

Quick Facts ​

• Wrote four novels: "This Side of Paradise", "The Beautiful and Damned", "The Great Gatsby", and "Tender Is the Night".
• His first novel made him one of the country's most promising young writers almost overnight.
• Renowned as one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century.
• Is widely regarded as the spokesman of the "Lost Generation" of Americans born in the 1890s.
• His works are the paradigmatic writings of the Jazz Age, a term he coined.

Background ​

Fitzgerald was born in 1896 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, to a middle class Catholic family. He attended St. Paul Academy and later enrolled at Princeton University, but withdrew due to poor academic performance. Fitzgerald was commissioned a second lieutenant in the United States infantry during WWI and was stationed in Alabama, where he met his future wife Zelda Sayre. After the war ended, he published his first novel, This Side of Paradise, which became an instant success.

Following the success of his first novel, he launched into a life of flamboyant self-indulgence, spending much of the 1920s travelling and crisscrossing through Europe, especially France. During this period, he wrote The Great Gatsby, which is considered his masterpiece today. However, it wasn't well received at the time of its publication. Towards the end of his life, Fitzgerald struggled with alcoholism and financial issues. He died of a heart attack in 1940, at the age of 44. Fitzgerald's work, which reflects the flamboyance and disillusionment of the 'Roaring Twenties', has been the focus of much commentary and analysis. His writings are still widely read and continue to be a source of inspiration and influence for many writers today.

Writing Style and Impact ​

Fitzgerald's writing style is characterized by his detailed descriptions, symbolic use of color, direct and indirect characterization, and his focus on themes of wealth, love, and the American Dream. His work is praised for its intricate exploration of complex characters and their motivations, as well as its commentary on the societal issues of his time. He is considered one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century, with his novel "The Great Gatsby" often celebrated as one of the greatest novels in American literature. His work continues to have a significant impact on literature and literary studies to this day.

Notable Works ​

• This Side of Paradise (1920)
• The Beautiful and Damned (1922)
• The Great Gatsby (1925)
• Tender Is the Night (1934)
• The Last Tycoon (1941, published posthumously)