From Conflict to Identity: Main Issues Explored in US Literary Education - Sykalo Eugen 2023
How does F. Scott Fitzgerald depict the disillusionment and moral decline of the Jazz Age in “Tales of the Jazz Age”?
In exploring F. Scott Fitzgerald's remarkable collection of short stories, "Tales of the Jazz Age," one finds a tapestry woven with the threads of disillusionment and moral decline, intricately depicting the tumultuous era known as the Jazz Age. Fitzgerald, with his keen insight and deft craftsmanship, deftly captures the zeitgeist of the 1920s, unearthing the inner workings of a society swept up in a whirlwind of excess, hedonism, and materialistic pursuits.
Central to Fitzgerald's exploration of disillusionment is the motif of shattered dreams and unfulfilled aspirations. The characters in "Tales of the Jazz Age" yearn for success, wealth, and societal validation, only to discover the ephemeral nature of their desires. In "The Diamond as Big as the Ritz," John T. Unger's encounter with the opulent Washington family exposes the dark underbelly of the American Dream. Initially mesmerized by their wealth and grandeur, Unger gradually realizes that this facade is built upon corruption and the ruthless pursuit of power. The glittering jewel, a symbol of unattainable wealth, serves as a metaphor for the illusory nature of material prosperity.
Moreover, Fitzgerald delves into the moral decline that pervaded the Jazz Age, a period characterized by its indulgence and moral laxity. The story "May Day" portrays a post-war society grappling with the disintegration of traditional values and a loss of faith in societal institutions. The characters, disenchanted and morally adrift, are confronted with a world devoid of meaning and purpose. Fitzgerald juxtaposes the grandeur of the May Day parade with the disillusionment of the characters, highlighting the stark contrast between the outward façade of joy and the inner turmoil they experience.
In "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," Fitzgerald employs the device of reverse aging to illustrate the inherent decay and moral decadence of the era. As Benjamin Button ages backward, he witnesses firsthand the moral decline of the people around him. Through this fantastical narrative, Fitzgerald suggests that the Jazz Age's pursuit of pleasure and self-indulgence ultimately leads to the erosion of one's humanity and moral compass.
Furthermore, Fitzgerald masterfully employs symbolism throughout the collection to underscore the themes of disillusionment and moral decline. The green light in "The Great Gatsby" reappears in several stories, serving as a haunting reminder of unattainable dreams and the futility of chasing illusions. The color itself, associated with jealousy and envy, reflects the toxic nature of the society Fitzgerald portrays.
Moreover, the symbol of the flapper, a quintessential figure of the Jazz Age, epitomizes the shifting roles and values of women during this period. Flappers, with their short hair, bold fashion choices, and liberated attitudes, challenged the traditional notions of femininity and propriety. Fitzgerald portrays these women as emblematic of a society in which moral boundaries have been blurred, where self-gratification and pleasure take precedence over virtue and restraint.
F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Tales of the Jazz Age" serves as a vivid testament to the disillusionment and moral decline that permeated the Jazz Age. Through his incisive narratives, Fitzgerald exposes the fleeting nature of dreams, the erosion of traditional values, and the consequences of unbridled hedonism. With his lyrical prose and acute social commentary, he paints a vivid portrait of a society intoxicated by excess and haunted by the hollowness beneath its glamorous veneer. Fitzgerald's work continues to resonate, reminding us of the dangers inherent in the pursuit of ephemeral pleasures and the importance of preserving our moral compass in an ever-changing world.