The failure of the 'American Dream' in the works of F. Scott Fitzgerald

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. The American Dream and its origin

3. Short biography of Francis Key Scott Fitzgerald

4. Short definition of Modernism in American literature

5. The Great Gatsby

6. This Side Of Paradise

6.1. Introduction

6.2. The most important characters in ‘This Side Of Paradise’

6.3. Version of the American Dream in ‘This Side Of Paradise’

6.4. Rosalind and Eleonor - The collapse of the American Dream

7. Tender Is The Night

7.1. Introduction

7.2. Dick Diver’s way into alienation and decay

7.3. The love affair with Rosemary Hoyt

7.4. The way back home to the U.S.A. after the decay

8. Thesis Summary

Objectives & Themes

This thesis examines the failure of the American Dream in three major novels by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It explores how the author’s protagonists, initially driven by ambition and high hopes, ultimately succumb to disillusionment and failure due to their misunderstanding of society and wealth.

• The evolution and corruption of the "American Dream" from its historical origins to the 1920s.
• The intersection of personal identity and social status in the context of American Modernism.
• The destructive nature of materialistic pursuits and the separation of love and wealth.
• The role of biographical influences, specifically Fitzgerald’s own experiences, in shaping his literary characters.

Excerpt from the Book

Summary of Chapters

1. Introduction: Presents the scope of the thesis, analyzing the transition of Fitzgerald's perspective on the American Dream through three of his major novels.

2. The American Dream and its origin: Traces the historical shift from Puritan moral ideals to the materialist pursuit of wealth in American society.

3. Short biography of Francis Key Scott Fitzgerald: Highlights the author's background and his own life experience as a primary source for the recurring themes in his fiction.

4. Short definition of Modernism in American literature: Explains how the literary period and the use of symbols allowed Fitzgerald to convey complex societal issues.

5. The Great Gatsby: Analyzes the protagonist’s misguided attempt to use wealth as a tool to recreate the past and reclaim his love for Daisy Buchanan.

6. This Side Of Paradise: Investigates Amory Blaine’s adolescent quest for identity and his eventual realization that social persona must give way to true character.

7. Tender Is The Night: Discusses the psychological and moral decay of Dick Diver, whose attempt to build a glamorous life in Europe results in tragic collapse.

8. Thesis Summary: Reaffirms the conclusion that Fitzgerald’s works serve as a critique of a materialistic society that forces the ruin of its most romantic and ambitious individuals.

Keywords

F. Scott Fitzgerald, American Dream, The Great Gatsby, This Side Of Paradise, Tender Is The Night, American Modernism, Disillusionment, Success, Materialism, Romance, Social Status, Deconstruction, Biography

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this research?

The research explores the failure of the American Dream as depicted in three novels by F. Scott Fitzgerald, focusing on how the protagonists' initial hopes are thwarted by the demands and superficiality of their respective societies.

What are the primary themes discussed?

Central themes include the pursuit of success, the conflict between individual character and social expectations, the corrupting influence of wealth, and the role of romantic love in an increasingly materialistic world.

What is the overarching research goal?

The goal is to analyze the construction and ultimate failure of the "American Dream" in Fitzgerald’s works, specifically looking at how protagonists seek wealth and status only to find these pursuits hollow.

Which academic methodology is utilized?

The thesis primarily employs the method of Deconstruction, staying closely to the original texts to interpret how the author constructed meaning and symbolic connections between the novels' themes.

What does the main body of the work cover?

The main body examines three specific novels—The Great Gatsby, This Side Of Paradise, and Tender Is The Night—and details the journey of each protagonist as they encounter obstacles that lead to their eventual disillusionment.

Which keywords characterize this work?

Key terms include F. Scott Fitzgerald, American Dream, Modernism, disillusionment, success, materialism, and identity, among others.

How is the transition from "personality" to "personage" significant in the novel?

The distinction, taught to Amory Blaine by Monsignore Darcy, is critical to his growth: a "personality" focuses solely on outward image, while a "personage" seeks inner growth, deeper emotions, and genuine character, which Amory eventually realizes is necessary to find true fulfillment.

How does the "incest-motif" function in Tender Is The Night?

The motif serves two purposes: it explains the trauma and psychological dependency behind Nicole Warren's illness, and it mirrors the eventual decline of Dick Diver, whose own professional and moral boundaries begin to collapse as he becomes entangled in similar unhealthy dynamics.