The Diamond as Big as The Ritz by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Introduction

F. Scott Fitzgerald is one of the most famous American writers of the 20th century. He is best known for The Great Gatsby, but he also wrote many short stories. One of his most interesting short stories is The Diamond as Big as The Ritz. This story combines adventure, fantasy, and social criticism, making it an exciting read. In this article, we will explore the plot, themes, and significance of this fascinating tale.

Plot Summary

John T. Unger is a young boy from a small town. He studies at a prestigious school where he meets Percy Washington, a very rich and mysterious boy. One summer, Percy invites John to his home in Montana. Before they arrive, Percy tells John something unbelievable: his father owns a diamond bigger than the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

John does not believe him at first, but when he arrives, he realizes that Percy's family is extremely rich. The Washington estate is filled with luxury, and everything is more magnificent than John could have imagined. However, he soon discovers that this world of wealth hides dark secrets. The Washington family will do anything to protect their fortune—even if it means keeping their guests prisoners or worse.

John also meets Kismine, Percy's beautiful sister, and they fall in love. However, as John learns more about the Washington family’s cruelty, he realizes that he must escape before it is too late. In the end, the family's wealth leads to their downfall, and John barely manages to survive.

Themes in the Story

1. Wealth and Greed

One of the main themes in The Diamond as Big as The Ritz is wealth and greed. The Washington family has unlimited money, but their greed makes them cruel. They are willing to lie, kill, and even imprison people to protect their fortune. Fitzgerald shows that extreme wealth can lead to corruption and moral decay.

2. Illusion vs. Reality

John first believes that he is entering a paradise, but he soon learns that things are not as they seem. This theme of illusion versus reality is common in Fitzgerald’s works. The Washingtons appear to be perfect, but behind their luxury, they hide dark secrets.

3. The American Dream

Fitzgerald often writes about the American Dream—the idea that anyone can become rich and successful through hard work. However, in this story, he criticizes the American Dream by showing that wealth is not always earned honestly. The Washington family’s fortune is based on secrecy and crime, not on hard work or fairness.

4. Love and Escape

John falls in love with Kismine, and their romance gives him hope. However, love alone is not enough to save them from the dangers of extreme wealth. In the end, John and Kismine escape, but they leave behind a life of luxury. This suggests that love and freedom are more important than wealth.

Why You Should Read This Story

1. Engaging and Exciting Plot

The story is full of adventure, mystery, and unexpected twists. From the moment John arrives at the Washington estate, the tension grows. Readers will be eager to find out what happens next.

2. Important Messages

Despite being written in the 1920s, the story’s themes are still relevant today. It makes us think about the dangers of extreme wealth, the illusions of luxury, and the dark side of human nature.

3. Fitzgerald’s Beautiful Writing

Fitzgerald’s writing style is elegant and poetic. His descriptions make the story come to life, and his characters feel real and complex.

Conclusion

The Diamond as Big as The Ritz is a fascinating story that combines fantasy, adventure, and social criticism. It is a short but powerful tale that challenges our ideas about wealth and morality. Whether you enjoy adventure stories or deep themes, this book is a great choice. If you are looking for an exciting and thought-provoking read, this story is perfect for you!

Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald American short-story writer and novelist 

F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Voice of the Jazz Age

Introduction: A Literary Icon of the Roaring Twenties

Few American writers have captured the essence of an era as profoundly as Francis Scott Key Fitzgerald. Often regarded as the chronicler of the Jazz Age, Fitzgerald’s works paint a vivid picture of the excess, ambition, and disillusionment of 1920s America. Best known for his masterpiece The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald’s legacy extends far beyond a single novel, encompassing a body of work that continues to influence literature and popular culture today.

Early Life and Education: The Making of a Writer

Born on September 24, 1896, in St. Paul, Minnesota, Fitzgerald displayed literary talent from a young age. His early education at St. Paul Academy and later at the Newman School in New Jersey provided a foundation for his writing. In 1913, he enrolled at Princeton University, where he became deeply involved in writing and theater, though he struggled academically. His time at Princeton was cut short when he left to join the U.S. Army during World War I. The war ended before he saw active combat, but his experiences during this time influenced his first novel.

A Star is Born: This Side of Paradise

After the war, Fitzgerald focused on his writing career. In 1920, he published This Side of Paradise, a semi-autobiographical novel that explored themes of youth, love, and social status. The book was an instant success, making Fitzgerald a literary celebrity and allowing him to marry his long-time love, Zelda Sayre. The couple quickly became known for their extravagant lifestyle, embodying the very opulence that Fitzgerald critiqued in his works.

The Roaring Twenties and The Great Gatsby

The 1920s were a period of excess and experimentation, and Fitzgerald captured this spirit in his writing. His masterpiece, The Great Gatsby, published in 1925, is often hailed as one of the greatest American novels. The novel tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire who throws lavish parties in pursuit of an unattainable dream—winning back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan.

The Great Gatsby is a profound critique of the American Dream, illustrating how wealth and status often fail to bring true happiness. The novel’s themes of ambition, love, and societal decay remain as relevant today as they were in the 1920s, solidifying Fitzgerald’s place in literary history.

Personal Struggles and Decline

Despite his literary success, Fitzgerald’s personal life was fraught with challenges. His marriage to Zelda was tumultuous, marked by financial troubles, infidelity, and Zelda’s struggles with mental illness. As the 1930s arrived and the Great Depression took hold, Fitzgerald’s extravagant lifestyle became unsustainable. His reputation declined, and he struggled to regain the literary prominence he once enjoyed.

During this time, Fitzgerald moved to Hollywood, where he worked as a screenwriter. His later years were marked by financial instability and declining health, exacerbated by his struggles with alcoholism. He died of a heart attack on December 21, 1940, at the age of 44, believing himself to be a failure. However, history would prove otherwise.

Posthumous Recognition and Legacy

Fitzgerald’s works experienced a resurgence in the decades following his death. The Great Gatsby was rediscovered by new generations of readers, becoming a staple of American literature courses worldwide. Today, his influence can be seen not only in literature but also in film, music, and popular culture. Numerous adaptations of The Great Gatsby, including Baz Luhrmann’s 2013 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio, have introduced Fitzgerald’s work to a wider audience.

Beyond The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald’s other works, including Tender Is the Night and numerous short stories, continue to be studied and admired. His writing style—lyrical, evocative, and rich in symbolism—has inspired countless writers and remains a benchmark for literary excellence.

Conclusion: The Timeless Appeal of Fitzgerald’s Work

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s ability to capture the complexities of human desires and societal flaws ensures his place among the greatest American writers. His critique of the American Dream, his lush prose, and his unforgettable characters continue to resonate with readers today. While he may have left this world believing he had failed, history has proven that his legacy is enduring, and his works remain a defining part of American literature.