From Conflict to Identity: Main Issues Explored in US Literary Education - Sykalo Eugen 2023

What is the role of the American Dream in F. Scott Fitzgerald's “Tender Is the Night”?

F. Scott Fitzgerald, renowned for his exquisite portrayal of the Jazz Age, delves deep into the intricacies of the American Dream in his literary masterpiece, "Tender Is the Night." In this novel, Fitzgerald explores the allure, the disintegration, and the moral dilemmas associated with the pursuit of the American Dream, unraveling the complex layers of ambition, love, and identity in a society enthralled by materialism and social status.

The American Dream, an idealized notion that anyone can achieve prosperity, happiness, and social mobility through hard work and determination, serves as a driving force behind the characters' actions and aspirations in "Tender Is the Night." Set against the backdrop of the vibrant and hedonistic 1920s, the narrative unravels the lives of the Diver couple, Dick and Nicole, whose seemingly charmed existence embodies the seductive allure of the American Dream.

Dick Diver, a brilliant and charismatic psychiatrist, is a quintessential embodiment of the American Dream. His rise from a humble background to the pinnacle of success represents the promise of upward social mobility that captivated the hearts and minds of the Jazz Age. Fitzgerald paints a vivid portrait of Dick's transformation, showcasing his ambition, charm, and intellect as he navigates the elite circles of Europe's expatriate community. Through Dick, the novel explores the intoxicating power of the American Dream and the potential for personal fulfillment and social acceptance that it holds.

However, beneath the surface of Dick's seemingly perfect life lies a world of disillusionment, shattered dreams, and moral decay. Fitzgerald exposes the dark underbelly of the American Dream, revealing the hollowness and moral corruption that can lurk behind the façade of success. As Dick succumbs to his own insecurities, personal demons, and the allure of wealth and power, his journey becomes a cautionary tale, a cautionary tale that warns of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the loss of authenticity in the pursuit of material success.

Nicole Warren, Dick's enigmatic wife, also embodies the complex relationship between the American Dream and personal identity. As a wealthy heiress, Nicole appears to have everything that the American Dream promises—beauty, wealth, and social standing. However, her inner struggles with mental illness and a sense of fractured identity challenge the notion of success and happiness that the American Dream represents. Through Nicole's character, Fitzgerald explores the price one may pay for conforming to societal expectations and the tension between personal fulfillment and the external trappings of success.

Symbolism, a hallmark of Fitzgerald's writing, plays a pivotal role in the exploration of the American Dream in "Tender Is the Night." The Riviera, the lush and glamorous setting of the novel, serves as a metaphor for the seductive allure and transience of the American Dream. The glittering parties, the extravagant lifestyle, and the ephemeral relationships reflect the fleeting nature of the dream and the emptiness that lies beneath the surface. Fitzgerald masterfully employs the symbolism of the Riviera to underscore the fragility and fleeting nature of the American Dream, urging readers to question the cost of pursuing an ideal that is elusive and ultimately unfulfilling.

Moreover, Fitzgerald explores the moral and ethical dimensions of the American Dream through the complex relationships among the characters. The pursuit of personal ambition often comes at the expense of genuine human connections and moral integrity. The characters in "Tender Is the Night" grapple with questions of loyalty, love, and the ethical boundaries they are willing to cross in their pursuit of success and social validation. Fitzgerald exposes the compromises and moral compromises that individuals may make in their quest for the American Dream, questioning the true cost of achieving the ideals set forth by society.

F. Scott Fitzgerald's "Tender Is the Night" offers a rich exploration of the American Dream and its profound impact on the lives of individuals. Through the characters of Dick and Nicole Diver, Fitzgerald exposes the allure, disillusionment, and moral complexities associated with the pursuit of the dream. The novel serves as a cautionary tale, warning of the dangers of unchecked ambition, the loss of personal identity, and the ethical compromises that can accompany the relentless pursuit of material success. Through his masterful storytelling and symbolic imagery, Fitzgerald challenges readers to question the true nature of the American Dream and the sacrifices one may make in its pursuit.