Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald, famed for his novels concerning the elite of society, delved into the topic of the American Dream in his book The Beautiful and Damned. The novel illustrates the luxurious and miserable lives of Anthony Patch, Gloria Gilbert, and those they associate with. As Fitzgerald details Patch’s fall from grace, both morally and financially, he challenges the concept of the American Dream through the eyes of a member of the upper class. In this novel, Fitzgerald, by revealing his own point of view, establishing an aggravated mood, and detailing circumstances with situational irony, displays how the upper class has undermined the enduring hope of the American Dream. Through the introduction of his main character in the
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Various circumstances had unexpected ends and characters had values that deeply contrasted their lives. For example, despite having had an extensive education at Harvard, Maury Noble claims that he “learned nothing...very little even about [himself]” (257). Furthermore, Noble states that those who are truly intelligent ought to die with their “lips shut”(257) instead of displaying their knowledge to the world. As a member of the elite, Noble has become very successful as a writer, yet he implies that the mere fact that he is a writer proves he is not among the wise men of society. In another instance, the outcome of Patch’s trial concerning his grandfather’s will was unexpected. Patch, undeservingly, regains all his wealth and societal status without any effort. Rather than heed the advice of his friends to work and “submit to mediocrity” (449), Patch chose to drink and party heavily while awaiting the results of the trial. Even though Patch claims that aristocracy consists of a “favourable environment” where traits such as “courage and honor and beauty” (407) are developed, his life suggests otherwise. Patch lacked the courage needed to search for and find a job, and he disregarded honor when he selfishly fought to receive a part of his grandfather’s inheritance. While most have to place much effort into their prosperity, Patch gains wealth without any effort on his part. In these ironic situations, Fitzgerald illustrates how many members of the elite have ruined the concept of the American
Various circumstances had unexpected ends and characters had values that deeply contrasted their lives. For example, despite having had an extensive education at Harvard, Maury Noble claims that he “learned nothing...very little even about [himself]” (257). Furthermore, Noble states that those who are truly intelligent ought to die with their “lips shut”(257) instead of displaying their knowledge to the world. As a member of the elite, Noble has become very successful as a writer, yet he implies that the mere fact that he is a writer proves he is not among the wise men of society. In another instance, the outcome of Patch’s trial concerning his grandfather’s will was unexpected. Patch, undeservingly, regains all his wealth and societal status without any effort. Rather than heed the advice of his friends to work and “submit to mediocrity” (449), Patch chose to drink and party heavily while awaiting the results of the trial. Even though Patch claims that aristocracy consists of a “favourable environment” where traits such as “courage and honor and beauty” (407) are developed, his life suggests otherwise. Patch lacked the courage needed to search for and find a job, and he disregarded honor when he selfishly fought to receive a part of his grandfather’s inheritance. While most have to place much effort into their prosperity, Patch gains wealth without any effort on his part. In these ironic situations, Fitzgerald illustrates how many members of the elite have ruined the concept of the American