The Three Major Influences that Shaped F. Scott Fitzgerald's Life

F. Scott Fitzgerald, one of the most prominent American authors of the 20th century, is often celebrated for his vivid portrayal of the Jazz Age and the complexities of human relationships. His literary genius was significantly shaped by a variety of influences throughout his life. Among these, three major influences stand out: his upbringing and education, his tumultuous relationship with Zelda Sayre, and the broader socio-economic context of America during the 1920s. Each of these factors played a pivotal role in shaping not only Fitzgerald's personal experiences but also his literary voice.

1. Upbringing and Education

Fitzgerald was born on September 24, 1896, in St. Paul, Minnesota to an upper-middle-class family. His father worked as a successful businessman while his mother hailed from an affluent family herself. This background gave Fitzgerald a taste of both privilege and instability—his father's failure in business ultimately forced the family to move frequently between cities.

Education played a crucial role in shaping Fitzgerald's early interests and aspirations. He attended Princeton University from 1913 to 1917, where he immersed himself in literature and writing. Despite leaving before graduating due to academic struggles exacerbated by his dedication to writing for university publications, Princeton introduced him to influential writers like Edmund Wilson and John Peale Bishop who would later influence his work.

• Literary Exposure: At Princeton, Fitzgerald developed a passion for reading classic literature that would serve as inspiration for his own writing.
• Sociability: The social environment at Princeton allowed him to mingle with future literary figures and inspired many themes found in "The Great Gatsby."
• Cultural Identity: His time at university fostered an awareness of class distinctions that permeates much of his work.

This blend of privilege intertwined with insecurity would become a recurring theme in Fitzgerald’s works—a reflection on how socio-economic status impacts personal identity.

2. Relationship with Zelda Sayre

No discussion about F. Scott Fitzgerald's life can be complete without mentioning Zelda Sayre—his wife and muse. Their passionate yet tumultuous relationship not only influenced Fitzgerald’s personal life but also deeply impacted his writing career.

Zelda was more than just Fitzgerald’s partner; she was an integral part of his creative process. The couple married in 1920 after a whirlwind romance that exemplified the excesses and glamour characteristic of their era—the Roaring Twenties. However, their relationship quickly became complicated due to mental health issues that plagued Zelda throughout her life, leading to multiple hospitalizations.

The strain on their marriage provided rich material for Fitzgerald's novels; elements from their lives frequently appeared within characters who grappled with love, ambition, mental illness, and societal expectations:

• The Great Gatsby: Jay Gatsby's obsessive love for Daisy Buchanan mirrors Fitzgerald’s own infatuation with Zelda.
• Tender Is the Night: This semi-autobiographical novel depicts the decline of Dick Diver—a character reminiscent of Fitzgerald himself—as he grapples with Zelda’s struggles.
• The Beautiful and Damned: This novel reflects the disintegration of both romantic relationships and personal ambitions amidst societal pressures.

Zelda served as both inspiration and challenge for Fitzgerald; her brilliance pushed him creatively while her instability added layers of complexity to their lives together.

3. Socio-Economic Context: The Jazz Age

The socio-economic landscape during which Fitzgerald wrote cannot be overstated as an influence on both him personally and professionally. The Jazz Age—a period defined by economic prosperity following World War I—created an environment ripe with opportunity yet fraught with moral ambiguity.

This era saw dramatic changes in American society: women gained more freedom through flapper culture; consumerism thrived; jazz music flourished; while Prohibition brought about underground nightlife scenes that served as backdrops for many stories set during this time period.
 Fitzgerald captured these nuances exquisitely through settings filled with opulence juxtaposed against deep-seated emptiness experienced by individuals seeking fulfillment amidst fleeting pleasures.
 His portrayal serves as both celebration & critique reflecting disillusionment underlying superficial glamour inherent within contemporary society.

 Ultimately it was this backdrop which helped cement “The Great Gatsby”’s reputation as timeless commentary exploring themes around wealth versus morality - making it enduringly relevant even today!

Conclusion

The interplay between F. Scott Fitzgerald's upbringing & education; tumultuous relationship with Zelda Sayre & shifting societal norms defines key influences shaping not only who he became but also what legacy left behind through impactful storytelling chronicling human experiences across different dimensions! Understanding these major influences provides invaluable insight into one man’s struggle against forces larger than himself—illuminating why tales such as “The Great Gatsby” continue resonating today!

References

• Cowley, Malcolm (1951). "Fitzgerald." In *Writers at Work* Series: Volume I
• Browne, Ray B., & Browne Patricia E (2018). *Understanding F.Scott.Fitzgerald*
• Mizener Arthur (1963). *The Far Side Of Paradise*