Life's Influences on Fitzgerald's Novels

     Wealth is a major aspect of Fitzgerald's work. His characters face adversity through the struggle for wealth and the struggle against wealth's disturbing influences. The Fitzgerald home sat on the same stretch as the lavish home of multi-millionaire James J. Hill. Hill could be seen as the character build for Gatsby, as Nick views the Gatsby mansion the same way Fitzgerald may have viewed the Hill home. Gatsby's father also references Hill at the funeral. Fitzgerald's mother survived on the wealth of her family, while his father worked to support the family. In 1908, Fitzgerald's father lost his job at Proctor & Gamble which resulted in the family relying on Mrs. Fitzgerald's inherent wealth. Inherent wealth contrasting working wealth is apparent in The Great Gatsby. The people of East Egg live off of inherent wealth, while those of West Egg come from newly made fortunes.
     F. Scott Fitzgerald did not have a life of pleasant romance. Before dropping out of college, Fitzgerald led a relationship with a woman named Ginevra King. Fitzgerald considered Ginevra to be his first love, however, she broke off the relationship after three years. This bond would help structure many of his future characters' conflicts. During his station at Camp Sheridan, Fitzgerald attended a dance, and he met a southern bell named Zelda Sayre. Zelda was the daughter of the Alabama Supreme Court Associate Justice. It should be noted that Zelda was the youngest of three other siblings, and, naturally, could get away with any antics she pulled. Also, the mental instability of her family should be considered because of Zelda's own future pyschological problems. Her father suffered mental breakdowns, and her brother and grandmother committed suicide. Disregarding her genetic flaws, the exciting spirit of Zelda enticed Fitzgerald. Unfortunately, he could not court Zelda because of his financial inability to provide for the woman. At the end of World War I, Fitzgerald was discharged from the army, and he proceeded to find work in order to provide for his love, Zelda. Proving his worth through hard work and financial wealth is another factor that influences Fitzgerald's characters. Gatsby creates false reality in order to impress and attract Daisy. In "Winter Dreams," Judy Jones breaks off several engagements because she fears the man is not wealthy enough for her. This idea is also contrasted with "The Rich Boy." Anston Hunter believes he is able to marry his love by attracting her with his wealth. Ultimately, she grows tired of his egotism, and marries another man. It is unclear how Fitzgerald feels about acquiring wealth, but it is clear that the events in his life have influenced his work.In September 1919, Fitzgerald published his first novel. Zelda and Fitzgerald married the following year.
     Many aspects of Fitzgerald's own life become part of his novels. As Zelda grew more unstable, she was placed in a mental institution. Her asylum forced him to write. Fitzgerald's drinking problem and Zelda's hospital bills eliminated all of his funds. His nightmare influenced Tender is the Night to be much bleaker than his other novels. Unfortunately for Fitzgerald, not all of his work grew richer in story through his own experiences.