F.Scott Fitzgerald- The Word Artist
F. Scott Fitzgerald uses his work to explain life lessons without shaping them to be too obvious to his audience. His creation of the short story is an open door to much more than just a vanilla meaning. As readers we all are attracted to different styles of writing…..
and different lengths (let’s be honest here).
In his piece “Bernice Bobs Her Hair” readers are brought to a 1920s setting where they meet important characters such as Warren, Marjorie, and Bernice. While the story opens in a party setting the story takes a turn of Warren trying to help Marjorie’s cousin (Bernice) by asking her to dance with him in hopes of her not feeling insecure that no other men ask her. Though this story starts out with characters being genuine in their actions, it takes twists and turns that captures the reader’s attention and shows the true colors behind the characters they thought they knew from the beginning. Readers watch Bernice form into an unapologetic and outgoing woman. A short story of independence and strong symbolism of the times, Fitzgerald wrote this in ways that readers can see the story portrayed not only in its setting but also in modern day situations.
Though his short stories all are about different situations he never fails to write in such depth that readers discover something new with every re-read. His style and depth is not for everyone of course, as no author’s work is meant for everyone, but for readers who admire depth yet who do not mind a bit of a lengthier story- Fitzgerald is a must read.
“Dearly Beloved” is a short story that touches on a black man who has made his mark in the golf world and his wife who both constantly are bettering themselves. This story is one of a couple fighting against being ordinary in unfortunate situations thrown upon them. This shorter piece allows readers who have read other short stories by Fitzgerald prior, to see that his talent can be shown no matter the word count. He could write a 40,000 word piece and a 600 word count piece yet he would not slack on using his wording to create incredible stories. One who read’s Fitzgerald’s work religiously would know how to pick out his pieces from others simply because his way of molding lessons into a story with the tools of his words and imagery, can not be mistaken for anyone else’s.
As reader’s see in “Dearly Beloved’’, a couple trying to constantly live in their past of prime- the exact opposite is portrayed in Fitzgerald’s piece by the name “Babylon Revisited”. Taking place in the most romanticized place on earth, Paris, Charlie Wilder pictures it as just the opposite. A place of his horrid past of his mistakes with his deceased wife and whiskey. His life has left him fighting for custody of his daughter who has grown much with the time that has passed.
Through the challenges of his past, his sister-in-law struggles with giving him a second chance due to grudges she still holds. As readers continue learning about Charlie’s past and present they can piece together the messages Fitzgerald tries to get across through this story.
A story of hope for the future and battling the struggle of letting go of the past, readers can relate to characters such as Charlie within this story.
This is a short story that is easier for some to read because they want to know what happens next constantly. This goes to show how Fitzgerald himself has mastered the art of dancing with his words to only attract his audience with greater gravity.
A great example of Fitzgeral’s word play art can be portrayed in the short story of “Absolution”. As I grew up Catholic I was familiar with the terms used in this story and was familiar with what commandments and sacraments are being played out through it all. This story holds true depth in the meaning behind it just as the rest of Fitzgerald’s pieces but I would say this is one that some may have to do research before reading in order to understand the setting better.
Readers are introduced to a boy who comes from a hard Catholic family and who frequently goes to confession, a sacrament Catholics are encouraged to go to often within their religious beliefs. When the young boy goes to confession this time around it is the hardest one for him due to his sins committed. He is shown to have guilt for the actions he took part in and commits a mortal sin, the deepest of sins a religious catholic can make. As the story continues, readers begin to understand the message Fitzgerald is trying to get across and the truth he is revealing. This story grants a great perspective for those who consider themselves religious but also are open minded in understanding the flaws within Catholicism.
F. Scott Fitzgerald is a classic who everyone should give a chance at least once in their life. His works as short stories are incredibly written and many lessons he applies in his works are relevant today. With his creative usage of words that he uses to deliver lessons in his pieces, he draws his audience deeper and deeper with every page they turn.
He is a writer who everyone has most likely read in high school but in no way should that be your only encounter with him. His work needs to be read out of wanting to give his works a try. One must be open minded when reading his work and must be ready to look for symbolism in the most extraordinary ways. Reading Fitzgerald opens doors to much more than just literature lessons, but also life lessons.
