F Scott Fitzgerald Influences

America is forever shaped by the many generations who strive for a greater good. Sometimes the methods used to excel are in direct contrast to good. Many different influential people seek change for the country and are willing to do anything necessary in order to obtain his or her desired goal. The 1920’s, commonly referred to as the “Roaring Twenties”, were a period of time in which America thrived. Citizens were motivated by the search for both political and social change. This unique period of history was a rich source which inspired great authors to write many different forms of literature. American author F. Scott Fitzgerald is recognized for his ability to incorporate personal experiences and struggles into the influential
Paul, Minnesota. He was the third of four children born to Edward Fitzgerald and Mary (McQuilan) Fitzgerald. In 1906, Fitzgerald’s father, a struggling business man, was no longer able to provide the proper means of support for his family. As a result, the Fitzgerald family was forced to leave St. Paul and relocate to upstate New York. Here, the family was able to regain their status as part of the American middle class (“Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald”). Fitzgerald was able to spend several years at a Catholic prep school in New Jersey. His love for this area lead to his enrollment at Princeton in 1913. Here, Fitzgerald sought literary success, which he believed would bring him fame and fortune. He dedicated a large portion of his time writing for the Triangle Club, the Nassau Literary Magazine, and The Princeton Tiger, therefore, he began to disregard his studies and was on the path for academic failure (“F. Scott Fitzgerald”). Like many people at this time, Fitzgerald was intrigued by the opportunity for success and lavish
In many ways, the character of Nick Carraway is a representation of Fitzgerald as a young man, prior to his desire for wealth and a luxurious life. Like Carraway, Fitzgerald saw himself as an honest man who was able to recognize the dishonest and immoral ways of the upper class. Due to this, both Carraway and Fitzgerald feel as if they are outsiders, when in the presence of wealthy, scrutinizing people (“The Great Gatsby”). However, Fitzgerald’s nobility underwent many changes after gaining the status of an upper classman. Fitzgerald recognized this and wrote about his change by also representing himself through the character of Jay Gatsby. Both Gatsby and Fitzgerald left for World War I having an honest work ethic, with the hopes of achieving the desired “American Dream”. However, shortly after returning from war, both Fitzgerald and Gatsby adjusted their goals, they longed for wealth and were willing to do anything to achieve it. Fitzgerald pursued money in order to be eligible to marry Zelda Sayre. Likewise, Gatsby’s motivation stemmed from his desire to impress his married love, Daisy Buchanan (“The Great Gatsby”). No matter what Fitzgerald’s motivation for writing The Great Gatsby, the novel is recognized as one of his greatest works due to its accuracy and insight into