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Flashcards in this deck (36)
  • What was F. Scott Fitzgerald's full name?

    Francis Scott Fitzgerald

    biography fitzgerald
  • In which year was F. Scott Fitzgerald born?

    1896

    biography birthdate
  • Where was Fitzgerald born?

    Minnesota

    biography location
  • What contradictions did Fitzgerald experience in his early life?

    Wealth vs. social class; rich history but not rich in wealth.

    biography socialclass
  • Who supported the Fitzgerald family when Edward was seeking work?

    Mollie Fitzgerald (his mother)

    biography family
  • What influenced Fitzgerald’s access to education?

    The wealth and connections of his mother's family (the McQuillans)

    education influence
  • What prestigious schools did Fitzgerald attend?

    St. Paul Academy, Newman School, and Princeton University

    education schools
  • Who was Ginevra King?

    Fitzgerald's love interest from a wealthy family

    biography relationships
  • What are two major works by F. Scott Fitzgerald?

    • This Side of Paradise
    • The Great Gatsby
    literature works
  • What themes are prevalent in Fitzgerald's writing?

    Social class tensions and contradictions in American culture.

    themes literature
  • What did Fitzgerald's family struggle with economically?

    Lack of generational wealth and frequent relocations.

    biography economics
  • How did Fitzgerald's upbringing influence his writing?

    Reflected the contradictions of wealth and class in society.

    writing influence
  • Include an image of F. Scott Fitzgerald.

    F. Scott Fitzgerald and his mother

    biography images
  • What did Fitzgerald believe about poor boys and rich girls?

    He believed 'poor boys shouldn't think of marrying rich girls.'

    fitzgerald social-class
  • Who was the inspiration for Jay Gatsby's longing for Daisy?

    Ginevra King, due to Fitzgerald's breakup with her.

    the_great_gatsby inspiration
  • What university did Fitzgerald attend?

    Princeton University.

    fitzgerald education
  • What unusual behavior characterized Zelda Sayre?

    She sneaked out of events to meet bachelors.

    zelda new-woman
  • Where did Fitzgerald meet Zelda Sayre?

    At a party in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1918.

    zelda meeting
  • Who was Fitzgerald's platoon captain during his Army service?

    Dwight Eisenhower.

    fitzgerald military
  • What is the title of Fitzgerald's famous novel reflecting social class tensions?

    "The Great Gatsby".

    literature novel
  • How was Zelda perceived in society?

    As a ditzy Southern belle and 'mad woman.'

    zelda perception
  • Which relationships influenced F. Scott Fitzgerald's writing?

    • Ginevra King
    • Zelda Sayre
    fitzgerald relationships
  • List two notable works by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

    • This Side of Paradise
    • The Great Gatsby
    literature works
  • What was Fitzgerald's academic performance at Princeton?

    He was a terrible student.

    fitzgerald education
  • Who inspired many of F. Scott Fitzgerald's fictional characters?

    Zelda Fitzgerald played a major role in his life and fiction.

    literature fitzgerald
  • What significant work did Fitzgerald publish in 1920?

    This Side of Paradise.

    literature publications
  • What job did Fitzgerald take in Manhattan?

    He crafted marketing copy for an ad agency.

    career writing
  • What was Zelda's reaction to Fitzgerald's engagement promise?

    She broke off the engagement after mixed messages.

    relationships romance
  • Who was Fitzgerald's primary publisher for This Side of Paradise?

    Charles Scribner's Sons.

    publishing literature
  • How many copies did This Side of Paradise sell in its first year?

    40,000 copies.

    sales bestsellers
  • What was Fitzgerald's status after the publication of his first novel?

    • Rich
    • Famous
    • Writer
    success career
  • Which editor championed This Side of Paradise?

    Max Perkins.

    literary editors
  • What themes does Fitzgerald's life and work reflect?

    Social class tensions in America.

    themes society
  • What role did relationships play in Fitzgerald's writing?

    Influential relationships shaped his work.

    relationships influence
  • What cultural significance did Fitzgerald achieve?

    He was seen as a voice for youth culture.

    cultural youth
  • What characterized Fitzgerald's literary career?

    He wrote for a living after achieving fame.

    career writing
Study Notes

F. Scott Fitzgerald: Biography

Early Life and Education

  • Born in 1896 in Minnesota to Edward and Mary (Mollie) Fitzgerald.
  • Faced social class conflicts: father lacked wealth; mother came from money.
  • Attended prestigious schools: St. Paul Academy, Newman School, Princeton.
  • Encountered feelings of social inadequacy, particularly during romance with Ginevra King.

Photograph of F. Scott Fitzgerald and his mother in St. Paul, Minnesota, c. 1897.

The Influence of Relationships

  • Breakup with Ginevra inspired Jay Gatsby's longing for Daisy in "The Great Gatsby".
  • Developed writing skills at Princeton, surrounded by creative individuals.
  • Enlisted in the Army in 1917; did not see combat but met Zelda Sayre in 1918.

Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald, c. February 1920.

  • Zelda, known for rebelliousness, became a major influence on Fitzgerald’s work and life.

Marital Challenges and Early Success

  • Marriage promise to Zelda after Army discharge led to struggles in Manhattan.
  • Worked at an advertising agency while striving for literary success.
  • Breakup led to writing "This Side of Paradise"; accepted by Charles Scribner’s Sons in 1919.

Literary Acclaim

  • "This Side of Paradise" was published in 1920, marking a turning point in Fitzgerald's life.
  • Sold 40,000 copies in the first year, establishing him as a voice for youth culture.

Key Works

This Side of Paradise

  • Significantly impacted Fitzgerald's career, blending autobiographical elements.

Book cover titled "This Side of Paradise" by F. Scott Fitzgerald.

The Beautiful and Damned

  • Explores themes of wealth and societal expectations, reflecting Fitzgerald's era.

Book cover titled "The Beautiful and Damned" by F. Scott Fitzgerald.